Ever wondered who you’re most likely to bump into while waiting for your flight at East Midlands Airport — and what they’re eating before take‑off? New figures from the Civil Aviation Authority has painted a surprisingly clear picture of the airport’s typical traveller, from their pre‑flight food choices to their holiday hotspots.
The verdict? Your average East Midlands Airport customer is most likely a couple aged over 45, living less than an hour away, driving to the terminal, grabbing a pub‑style meal — and jetting off to Spain or one of its sun‑soaked islands.
The 2025 survey shows passengers are split almost perfectly between men and women, with couples making up the biggest group by far. In fact, 55% travel in twos, suggesting East Midlands Airport is the go‑to choice for stress‑free getaways together.
Age‑wise, more than a third of customers (37%) fall into the 45–64 bracket, while those aged 65 and over account for 27%. Younger travellers are still well represented too, with 22% aged between 25 and 44. Most passengers don’t have far to travel either — three‑quarters live within an hour of the airport, and 67% come from the East Midlands itself.
Getting there is refreshingly simple: two‑thirds drive, just under a quarter arrive by taxi, and a smaller slice take the bus or coach.
When it comes to why people are flying, the emphasis is firmly on holidays. Just over three‑quarters of flights are for leisure, with only 2% business travel and 20% visiting friends and family. Among overseas connections, Ireland, Spain and Poland top the list — though non‑UK residents still make up just 7% of the airport’s customers.
And let’s talk destinations. Spain reigns supreme, with 52% of passengers choosing Spanish cities or islands. From mainland favourites like Alicante, Malaga and Barcelona to island escapes including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Mallorca, East Midlands flyers clearly know where the sunshine lives. Greece comes in second place, welcoming 10% of travellers to spots like Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and Zakynthos.
Before boarding, food choices are equally revealing. A quarter of passengers opt for a pub or bar meal, with the refurbished Castle Rock Bar & Kitchen and Alembic proving popular. Some choose a sit‑down restaurant, others go for a meal deal, fast food at Burger King, or bring snacks from home — no judgement.
Mike Grimes, East Midlands Airport’s Customer Services and Planning Director, says the data confirms what the airport already knows:
“We understand our customers really well, and we work hard to give them the routes and experience they expect. But we’re always looking to go one better.”
“Recent upgrades include new food options, a revamped Escape Lounge, improved family facilities, and expanded quiet and sensory spaces — all part of the airport’s focus on providing a smooth start to every journey.”
And while the classic Spain‑bound couple remains the core traveller, East Midlands Airport has bigger ambitions. “We’re growing our route network and encouraging more people from outside the region to choose East Midlands,” Grimes adds.
“If you want an effortless start to your holiday, that’s exactly what we’re offering.”
