East Midlands Airport Set for Expansion with New Routes and Airline in 2026
Nottingham, 8 January 2026 – East Midlands Airport is gearing up for a busy year ahead with the addition of seven new routes and a brand-new airline, boosting its total destinations to 66. SunExpress, Jet2, and TUI are introducing flights to popular holiday spots, while ongoing terminal improvements promise an enhanced passenger experience.
New Destinations and Airline Arrivals
Starting from Easter 2026, SunExpress – a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines – will operate up to three weekly flights to Antalya, Turkey, running through to October. Jet2 is expanding its offerings with five new summer routes: Preveza and Thessaloniki in Greece, Chania in Greece, Pula in Croatia, and Agadir in Morocco. TUI is reintroducing Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, alongside returning favourites like Boa Vista in Cape Verde and Burgas in Bulgaria.
The airport’s Customer Services and Planning Director, Mike Grimes, expressed enthusiasm: “We are so looking forward to summer 2026 – it’s going to be great to welcome SunExpress for the first time and to be able to offer new destinations to our customers. We’re always looking at ways to improve the choice and experience for customers, and these new routes, along with ongoing improvements in the terminal, mean that summer 2026 is shaping up to be a great one for everyone who chooses East Midlands for an effortless start to their holidays.”
Improvements include upgrades to the Immigration Hall, new shops, refurbished restaurants, enhanced toilets, a quiet room, sensory pods, and a Little Flyers area for children. Jet2 is also adding extra Saturday flights to Jersey to fill the gap left by the collapse of Blue Islands.
Key Facts / Stats
| New Airline | New Routes | Total Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| SunExpress (to Antalya, Turkey) | Preveza, Thessaloniki, Chania (Greece); Pula (Croatia); Agadir (Morocco); Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) | 66 |
Historical Aviation Incidents at East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport, located near Nottingham, has a history marked by notable aviation incidents. On 8 January 1989, the Kegworth air disaster occurred when British Midland Airways Flight 092, a Boeing 737-400, crashed onto the motorway embankment between the M1 motorway and A453 road near Kegworth, Leicestershire, during an emergency landing attempt. Investigations by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have highlighted various factors in past incidents, including engine failures and landing issues, contributing to ongoing safety enhancements in aviation.
Other historical events include a serious incident in November 2025 involving an ASL Airlines UK ATR-72-212A freighter that suffered tyre and runway damage upon landing, and earlier cases like a Vickers Viscount accident in 1957 where poor visibility led to a runway strike. These incidents underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance and pilot training in preventing future occurrences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new routes are being added to East Midlands Airport in 2026?
SunExpress will fly to Antalya, Turkey; Jet2 adds Preveza, Thessaloniki, Chania (Greece), Pula (Croatia), and Agadir (Morocco); TUI reintroduces Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt).
When do the new flights start?
Most new routes begin from Easter 2026, with operations continuing through the summer and into autumn.
What improvements are planned at the airport?
Upgrades include new shops, restaurants, toilets, a quiet room, sensory pods, and a children’s area, alongside enhancements to immigration and arrivals.