East Midlands Airport hopes to welcome holidaymakers this summer

There have been no scheduled passenger flights to and from EMA since the lockdown began in March.

Karen Smart, the airport’s managing director, said: “While it’s not possible to say exactly when they might start flying again, our priority is to be ready to welcome passengers back at the earliest opportunity.

“We’re working hard to make sure the right measures are in place so that passengers can travel safely as soon as airlines resume flying.

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“Key to this is the Government reviewing its ‘blanket’ quarantine measure while also pursuing ‘air bridge’ agreements with other countries.

“This will encourage airlines to begin flying this summer. Otherwise very few passengers will have the confidence to book flights and it makes it difficult for airlines to plan re-starting their operations.

“I really hope we can welcome passengers back to our airport this summer, and we look forward to the day when people can fly away for much-needed holidays.”

The Government has argued the quarantine is needed to contain a potential second wave of Covid-19 infections.

While airports in the country have seen air traffic movements reduce by more than 90 per cent, EMA has continued operating around 60 per cent of all scheduled flights.

EMA says its global cargo operation is playing an important role in keeping trade moving and facilitating the supply of vital PPE equipment.

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