AS people's thoughts stray towards their summer holidays, East Midlands Airport is getting ready for the rush.
And it's not only the staff that are gearing up for the challenge.
Airports across the country have suffered as a result of the financial climate and East Midlands is no exception.
The number of passengers using the airport increased steadily from 1.15 million in 1991 to a peak of 5.62 million in 2008. But the last few years have seen numbers stagnate at around 4.1 million.
"It has been a challenging 12 months, especially with the loss of one of the airport's largest operators, Bmibaby. However, we are seeing the signs of growth as we enter the summer period," said Andy Cliffe, managing director at the airport.
He added: "Passenger volumes have increased as our new operators have stepped in to replace the services previously operated by bmibaby and increase their presence in the East Midlands.
"May's passenger figures have increased by nine per cent and we are expecting passenger numbers this summer to grow by eight per cent as a result of 15 new routes.
"This is most definitely an encouraging sign for the year ahead."
The airport is also redeveloping its security area at a cost of £12 million and is changing the look of its retail section.
Both these schemes are expected to be finished by next summer.
Meanwhile, the car park is also set to be expanded by 1,400 places in time for this summer.
Nicola McCabe, head of customer services, said: "This year, the airport has set out its vision for the terminal building and plans to build on this scheme by investing in its on-site car parks to enhance the experience for passengers flying from the airport."
