East Midlands Airport has been named the UK's fastest for airport security, with next-generation scanners helping 99.7% of passengers complete pre-flight checks in less than 15 minutes, according to new research. The airport outperforms Birmingham and London airports in queue times.
Security Overhaul and Next-Generation Scanners
The security hall has undergone a complete overhaul, featuring 'next-generation scanners' that have significantly accelerated the process. This technological upgrade allows 99.7% of passengers to finish security in under 15 minutes, a remarkable achievement for any UK airport.
Punctuality and Delays
Due to its compact and straightforward layout, East Midlands Airport suffers fewer delays than major London airports. Its punctuality record placed it fourth lowest for total delays across all UK airports last year, with an average delay of just 11 minutes 48 seconds. This consistency extends even through the 'busiest early morning wave' of departures, with a 90.4% 'On Time Performance' score recorded.
Passenger Experience and Staff Recognition
Mike Grimes, the airport's Customer Services and Planning Director, commented: "These fantastic scores show just how strongly our customers value the effortless experience we provide when they travel through East Midlands Airport. By all measures we have improved on the previous year and are consistently performing way above our targets. I'm really proud of all our dedicated staff who make this happen day in day out, from first impressions landside to the final moments in the terminal, whether supporting customers face-to-face or working behind the scenes. I hope that friends and family listen to the 71% of our customers who recommend us and also choose East Midlands as their easy way to get away."
Compact Terminal Limitations
For those who relish arriving early to make the most of the full airport experience, including shopping and dining, East Midlands Airport falls somewhat short compared to its competitors. Relatively compact in size, the terminal offers a handful of restaurants and cafés, alongside a WHSmith, JD Sports and Accessorize, complemented by the duty-free section — though it's arguably insufficient to keep passengers occupied for several hours.
