Local couples flying to Spain make up most of East Midlands Airport’s customer
Latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority provide insight into the passengers using East Midlands Airport, including their dining habits and preferred holiday destinations.
The data suggests that a typical East Midlands Airport customer is a couple aged over 45, living within an hour of the airport. Most travel by car, enjoy a pub or bar meal before departure, and head to Spain or one of its islands for their holiday.
According to the 2025 CAA survey, the airport’s passengers are evenly split between men and women. The most common group size is two people (55%), highlighting that many travellers are couples choosing East Midlands Airport for a smooth start to their trip.
In terms of age, the largest group (37%) is between 45 and 64 years old. Those aged 65 and over account for 27%, while 22% are aged between 25 and 44. Around three-quarters of passengers live within 30 to 60 minutes of the airport, with 67% coming from the East Midlands region. Most travellers (66.2%) drive to the airport, while 23.3% take a taxi and 9.4% use bus or coach services.
Leisure travel dominates, accounting for just over three-quarters of all journeys. Only 2% of passengers travel for business, while 20% are visiting friends and family. Among those visiting abroad, the most common countries of residence are Ireland (28%), Spain (24%) and Poland (19%), although non-UK residents make up just 7% of the total customer base.
Spain and its islands are by far the most popular destinations, attracting 52% of travellers, with 14 locations available. Popular mainland destinations include Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona, Girona, Costa Brava, Murcia, Reus and Valencia. The Canary Islands—Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria—are also favourites, along with the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.
Greece ranks as the second most popular destination, chosen by 10% of passengers. Travellers can fly to Preveza and Thessaloniki, as well as islands such as Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Skiathos.
Before departure, one in four passengers (25%) opts for a pub or bar meal at the airport, with venues such as Castle Rock Bar & Kitchen and Alembic proving popular. The survey, conducted prior to the opening of the Italian restaurant Terracotta this Easter, found that 12% chose a restaurant meal, while 20% went for a meal deal—now available at the newly opened WHSmith one-stop shop. A further 12% brought their own food, and 11% chose fast food options such as Burger King.
Mike Grimes, Customer Services and Planning Director at East Midlands Airport, said the airport has a strong understanding of its customers and strives to meet—and exceed—their expectations.
He highlighted recent investments aimed at improving the passenger experience, including new food options, an upgraded Escape Lounge, a children’s play area, and enhanced accessibility features such as a quiet room and sensory pod.
He added that the airport is also working to expand its route network and attract more passengers from outside the region, who currently make up 33% of its customer base, emphasising the goal of promoting East Midlands Airport as the ideal choice for a hassle-free start to any holiday.