The first passenger flights since lockdown are set to return to East Midlands Airport on Sunday.

A Ryanair aircraft is due to arrive 15:20 from Alicante and departs to Alicante at 15:45.

 

This flight is the first of a light schedule that Ryanair is operating until the end of June.

Ryanair is taking a first step to resuming passenger operations at the Castle Donington Airport with a limited schedule of flights beginning on Sunday.

Passengers arriving from Alicante will be the first to step inside the airport's terminal since COVID-19 lockdown measures, introduced in March, brought an abrupt halt to non-essential passenger air travel.

 

A total of 16 Ryanair flights to and from East Midlands are scheduled until the end of June.

However, anyone returning to the UK from overseas must quarantine for 14 days and the current Foreign Office advice is against non-essential travel.

If a review of these measures in late June results in an easing of restrictions, passenger airlines operating out of East Midlands are keen to resume fuller schedules in July.

 

The airport has continued operating around 60 per cent of all scheduled flights, elevating it briefly to one of Europe's top 10 busiest airports by flight numbers.

This is because of its global express freight operation which is playing an important role in keeping trade moving and facilitating the supply of vital PPE equipment in the fight against COVID-19.

 

But it is both a passenger and cargo airport and wants passengers can start flying again in large numbers, once the conditions are right to do so.

The first passenger flights in June will provide an opportunity for both the airline and airport to put in place measures to help make air travel safer for passengers and airport staff.

 

Anyone flying through East Midlands in the coming weeks and months will need to adhere to new guidance.

 

Before travel

• People displaying symptoms of Covid-19 (high temperature, persistent cough, loss of taste or smell) should not fly.

• Passengers should check the flight status before they leave home as some schedules are still subject to change.

• Only those who are flying will be allowed inside the terminal building.

• Face coverings should be easily accessible as these must be applied before entering the terminal.

• Plenty of time must be allowed for check-in and security which may take longer than normal.

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• Passengers should check the latest government travel advice and any requirements for returning passengers to quarantine or complete relevant documentation.

 

 

Travelling to the airport

• Anyone driving to the airport should note that only a limited number of car parks will be in operation.
• Drivers are advised to familiarise themselves with booking details and follow the signs to the correct car park.

• Due to a loss of all passenger income streams since March, the airport has had to increase prices for some services including rapid drop off (RDO).

• Drivers dropping off passengers are not permitted to enter the terminal.

 

 

Inside the airport

• Passengers should maintain social distancing as far as possible throughout their journey.

• Face covering must remain on when in the terminal. Airlines might not permit passengers to fly if a face covering is not being worn. Passengers who forget a suitable covering will be able to purchase one inside the terminal.

• Hands must be cleaned regularly using sanitising stations which have been installed throughout the airport.

• The airport is trialling the use of temperature screening technology which passengers will see on entry to the departure hall

• An enhanced cleaning regime is in place throughout the airport

• Protective screens have been installed at check-in desks, in security and at boarding gates to protect staff.

• Initially, many of the airport shops, restaurants and bars will be closed. Light refreshments will be available from a take-way facility.

 

Karen Smart, East Midlands Airport's Managing Director, says: "I am delighted that we will welcome back our first passengers, even if they are few in number, this coming Sunday.

"This is a really positive development.

"I am confident that many people across the region will start using their local airport again for a quick and easy get-away to their favourite holiday destinations when conditions allow. It may take two to three years before passengers return in the numbers we had pre-COVID, but EMA will always continue to be an important gateway for both people and products."

 

 

Departures Monday 22 June

Palma 11:30am

Alicante: 12:25 

Malaga 19:00    

 

Arrivals Monday 22 June

Palma 11:05

Alicante 12:00

Malaga 18:35