Plans for a series of runway closures throughout the winter have been announced by East Midlands Airport bosses as part of £120m major upgrade work.

Lighting, taxiways and the central apron (where passenger aircraft park) improvement will take place. Also scheduled to take place on Wednesdays throughout the winter period is general maintenance of the runway, taxiways and aprons.

These works – normally carried out overnight – will take place during daylight hours to make sure there’s minimal disruption to passengers and cargo operations.

The runway will be closed between 10am 6pm on 17 December, 7 January, 14 January, 21 January, 28 January, 4 February and 11 February.

Airport bosses say these upgrades will ‘future-proof’ its airfield for years to come.

East Midlands Airport’s Asset Development Director Brian McCoubrey said: “These winter works are not just about maintenance – they’re an investment in the airport’s future, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital hub for passengers and freight across the UK and beyond.

“By investing in its taxiways, aprons and lighting systems, the airport is reinforcing its role as a key regional hub and ensuring it remains competitive, resilient and ready to meet the demands of modern aviation.”

Tell me more…what are they actually planning to do?

• Extensively replacing Taxiway Bravo: This plays a vital role in aircraft movement between the runway and the west apron used by heavy cargo aircraft. The works will involve a full-scale upgrade of the taxiway surface and supporting infrastructure so it can accommodate a wider range of aircraft types.
• Redesigning the Central Apron: A comprehensive redesign of the Central Apron will reconfigure the layout to optimise space and improve turnaround times. The work will create four more stands for passenger aircraft, bringing the total to 28, to support growing airline operations. 
• Installing improved lighting across all aprons: Advanced lighting systems will be installed across the east, west, and central aprons in line with international best practice in airfield management. Enhanced airfield ground lighting and centreline lighting plays a pivotal role in improving visibility, guidance and safety for aircraft during taxiing, parking and pushback operations.