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Verdict

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Indira Gandhi International Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.5 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.7 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 6.9
Lounge Score 8.0 6.4
City New Delhi Derby
Country India United Kingdom
Terminals 3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 72M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy DEL — Indira EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

New Delhi, India · DEL · #1 in this comparison

Indira Gandhi International Airport

3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international) · 72M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Delhi DEL scores 7.8/10 — India's #1 airport and UK–North India hub. T3 international. Metro to city ~20 min. See /guides/uk-india-flights-guide and /guides/delhi-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–North India gateway — direct BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
  • T3 international hub — Plaza Premium, Air India Maharaja, and Star Alliance lounges
  • Metro Airport Express to New Delhi ~20 min — fastest city link
  • UK–India VFR traffic peaks Dec–Jan and Jun–Aug — book early

Overview

India's busiest airport and primary UK–India gateway — Air India, BA, Virgin Atlantic direct plus one-stop via Gulf hubs on Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad.

UK routing options

Direct: BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from LHR (11–12 hrs). One-stop: Emirates (DXB), Qatar (DOH), Etihad (AUH) often price lower in business class.

Compare DEL vs Mumbai (/airports/mumbai) for your destination state — DEL for North India, BOM for West/South.

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

More comparisons

Compare Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) against 59 other airports
Compare East Midlands Airport (EMA) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Indira Gandhi International Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, DEL or EMA?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores higher for lounges at 8.0/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, DEL or EMA?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.