East Midlands Airport announces £120m investment

An investment programme worth £120m includes plans to speed up security checks at East Midlands Airport (EMA).

The renovation work aims to improve the experience for the four million passengers who use the airport every year.

Next generation body and baggage scanning technology is planned.

The security changes are part of new government rules, which will also see the removal of the 100ml liquid restrictions.

EMA said it would improve "already excellent timings for clearing security", which typically left passengers waiting for less than 15 minutes.

Work is getting under way to refresh the airport infrastructure, maintain safety and regulatory standards and help it operate more efficiently.

Plans include an expansion of the security hall and improvements to toilets, seats and work to renew the roof.

Work has started on the extension of the security hall, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council.

As part of the investment programme, EMA is also exploring a range of options for improving the rapid drop-off area, which will help to improve the flow of vehicles through the site, which could include installing cashless and barrier-free operating systems.

In addition, work has started to upgrade the terminal roof, which, due to the age of the building, is in need of remedial work.

Reconstruction and resurfacing of the taxiways will also be carried out.

Steve Griffiths, EMA's managing director, said: "We're always looking at ways to improve and this investment will help us do that over the next five years and beyond."

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