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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.
Faro Airport vs East Midlands Airport
Detailed comparison of FAO and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Faro Airport (FAO) scores higher overall at 7.2/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Faro Airport (FAO) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0),
passenger experience (7.1), and facilities (7.5).
Lounge quality rates 6.9/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Faro FAO scores 7.2/10 — Algarve leisure gateway. Compare /airports/lisbon for city breaks. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-portugal-greece-2026 and /guides/faro-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.2Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.1Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.5Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.9Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score6.9/10
Highlights
Primary UK gateway to Algarve resorts — Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura within 45–90 min drive
Jet2 and TUI package traffic dominates alongside Ryanair and easyJet
Compact single terminal — straightforward navigation; summer queues at security
UK261 on UK-return flights
Overview
Algarve gateway — Jet2, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, and BA leisure schedules from across the UK for Portugal's southern coast.
Algarve access
Pre-book transfers — public transport to western Algarve resorts is limited. Taxi and Uber available landside.
Peak UK bank holiday weeks (Easter, half-term) see 90+ min security queues — arrive early.
Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison
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 Score6.7Good
On-time6.5Departure reliability
Experience6.6Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities6.9Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.4Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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 score6.4/10
Highlights
Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
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.
FAQ
Which is better, Faro Airport or East Midlands Airport?
Faro Airport (FAO) scores higher overall at 7.2/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Which has better lounges, FAO or EMA?
Faro Airport (FAO) scores higher for lounges at 6.9/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, FAO or EMA?
Faro Airport (FAO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.0/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.
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