East Midlands Airport & Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Testing Now at East Midlands Airport

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The UK government's announcement of a third England-wide lockdown means that international travel is once again restricted to those who have a legally permitted reason, such as for essential work. At East Midlands Airport, we have been working hard to put measures in place to help make air travel safer for those passengers still permitted to travel, and for airport staff.

We continue to follow guidance from Public Health England and their advice will determine what further steps may be needed, should circumstances change in the future. For more information, see the latest government guidance on travel restrictions.

Where can I travel?

All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended.

We previously compiled a list of places where you can travel right now. However, the latest restrictions mean that only essential travel is permitted. We will update the list of approved places when the government reintroduces travel for non-essential purposes.

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. For any questions about your flight, please contact your airline.
• 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.
• 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.
• Most of our shops and restaurants are now open, offering plenty of choice for customers.

Assisted travel

We continue to provide a full Assisted Travel service to passengers but with additional measures in place to ensure a seamless and safe experience. These include:

• Additional and frequent cleaning of seats, wheelchairs, vehicles and help points.
• Distancing measures in waiting areas and throughout the terminal.

The Passengers Services team wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings, face visors and gloves while health guidance remains in place.

Questions: If you have further questions, please contact a member of the Passenger Services team by phone on 0808 1697032. As we’re currently open only when flights are operating, please leave a message including your flight details and we will respond to you within 72 hours.

Bookings: Please note that we are unable to take direct bookings for Assisted Travel. This must be done via your airline prior to travelling.

Returning to the UK

From next week, all international arrivals must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure for entry into the UK. You will still need to self isolate if you have travelled from a country not on the Travel Corridors list. All UK arrivals must complete a Passenger Locator Form. Find out more about the government requirements here.

The Passenger Locator Form cannot be submitted until 48 hours before you’re due to arrive in the UK and must be completed even if you are travelling from a country which has a ‘travel corridor’. A list of countries with travel corridors can be found here. 

You’ll need to show your completed form when you arrive at the UK border, either by printing a copy, or showing it on your phone.

The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone you’ve travelled with develops Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. They may also use this information to check that you’re self-isolating if you are required to do so (see above).

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, or more if you break this rule more than once. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK (unless you’re either British or a UK resident).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. Is East Midlands Airport still operating?

A. East Midlands Airport (EMA) is open for business and passenger flights have some airlines have resumed flights. For detailed information about your flight please contact your airline.

Q. How can I find out if my flight is cancelled?

A. If your airline cancels your flight, they will contact you to let you know. For detailed information about flight schedules or flight cancellations, please contact your airline. We recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Q. My plans have changed and I need to cancel or amend my parking booking. How can I do this?

A. If you booked parking direct with East Midlands Airport, you can amend or cancel your booking online. Please visit our Car Parking FAQs for more information. If you booked with another provider, please contact them to amend or cancel your parking booking.

Q. Is public transport to and from East Midlands Airport operating as normal?

A. Bus services are operating to and from the airport. In line with Government advice, please wear face coverings and observe social distancing on all public transport. To plan your journey to EMA visit our Getting To And From pages or public transport providers' websites.

Q. Do I need to allow extra time to travel through the airport?

A. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to go through security and reach your gate. We also, as always, have access to our FastTrack service for access to a dedicated lane at security.

Q. Can I take hand sanitiser gel through airport security?

A. Yes, you can take hand sanitiser gel through airport security with your hand luggage, as long as the bottle size is under 100ml, and it is in a sealed, clear plastic bag with your other liquids. This bag must be taken out of your hand luggage and placed in the tray separately. Please check your bags and pockets carefully before going through security to make sure you aren’t accidentally carrying any other liquids. Read more about airport security

Q. Can I pack hand sanitiser gel in my hold luggage?

A. Yes, you can pack bottles of hand sanitiser in your hold luggage, subject to your airline’s baggage allowance and the hold baggage restrictions.

Q. Can I take anti-bacterial wipes through security in my hand luggage?

A. Yes you can. Anti-bacterial wipes are not considered liquids and can be taken through security. You do not need to put wipes in your liquids bag.

Q. Are restaurants and shops open in the terminal

A. Shops and food and beverage provision will gradually begin to open in line with relevant Government advice. Initially, there is a take-away service providing light refreshments.

Further Information:

• The most up-to-date official information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on Public Health England’s website.
• If you are concerned about Coronavirus (COVID-19) measures at your destination, please refer to the advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
• Find out how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help on the NHS website.

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