Lack of connectivity
Passenger numbers at East Midlands Airport are forecast to increase from 5 to 10 million passengers per annum over the next 20 years, however the current lack of connectivity is a significant constraint on expansion plans. There is currently no direct rail connection to the airport and it consequently has one of the lowest mode share splits for passengers and employees using public transport of any major UK airport, at around just 10 per cent.
Enabling sustainable growth
Our vision for a rail link service to the airport will enable East Midlands Airport to grow while addressing key environmental challenges. The link connects the airport to the neighbouring cities of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and the new HS2 East Midlands Hub. Utilising spare capacity on existing Network Rail infrastructure, the scheme requires only short sections of new track to be built.
A new station at the Airport will be elevated on viaducts to avoid creating a barrier to the movement of people or vehicles at ground level. Passenger movement between the station and terminal building will be simple and direct via a link bridge connecting the two.
Air, road and rail access will be consolidated into a single intermodal hub making passenger interchange between all modes of transport simple and efficient.
The station will be located within a high-quality terminal precinct, having hard and soft landscape, public seating, a cycle hub and retail activated spaces that will help to create a unique sense of place for passengers and staff.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be given priority within the terminal precinct and a network of green corridors, cycle-ways and paths will provide local connectivity to the airport.
As a result of the new rail link, we anticipate numbers of passengers arriving by train will increase to 18%, and 20% of airport workers and business park employees will use the new service. An initial 16,000 trips per day are forecast, with this number expected to grow.