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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Dublin Airport vs East Midlands Airport

Detailed comparison of DUB and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.

Verdict

Dublin Airport (DUB) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Dublin Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.5 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.3 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.4 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 6.9
Lounge Score 7.6 6.4
City Dublin Derby
Country Ireland United Kingdom
Terminals 2 terminals (T1 legacy, T2 main) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 32M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

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

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

Detailed profiles

Dublin, Ireland · DUB · #1 in this comparison

Dublin Airport

2 terminals (T1 legacy, T2 main) · 32M+ passengers/year

7.5 / 10

How good is Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport (DUB) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Dublin DUB scores 7.5/10 — Ireland hub with US Pre-Clearance on Aer Lingus. Strategic UK positioning for transatlantic. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-dublin-2026 and /guides/dublin-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.5 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.6 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
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.6/10

Highlights

  • US Pre-Clearance — arrive in US as domestic passenger on Aer Lingus transatlantic
  • Dense UK schedule — Ryanair, Aer Lingus, BA from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and 15+ regional UK airports
  • Aer Lingus T2 lounge for business and AerClub Gold; 51st & Green US Pre-Clearance facility
  • UK261 on UK-departing Aer Lingus; EU261 on DUB EU departures

Overview

Ireland's hub and a strategic UK outbound gateway — Aer Lingus US Pre-Clearance, dense Ryanair/easyJet Europe network, and short hop from UK regional airports.

UK positioning and Pre-Clearance

UK travellers use DUB as a lower-fare transatlantic gateway via Aer Lingus — Pre-Clearance saves 60–90 min at US immigration. Factor positioning flight cost from UK regional airports.

Ryanair's largest base offers cheapest UK–Europe fares — compare total cost vs Stansted/Luton on same route.

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.

Compare different airports All airport comparisons →

FAQ

Which is better, Dublin Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Dublin Airport (DUB) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, DUB or EMA?

Dublin Airport (DUB) scores higher for lounges at 7.6/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

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

Dublin Airport (DUB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.