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.
Advertiser disclosure — how this service works
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.
Islamabad International Airport vs East Midlands Airport
Detailed comparison of ISB and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) · 8M+ passengers/year
7.4/ 10
How good is Islamabad International Airport?
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2),
passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7).
Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Islamabad ISB scores 7.4/10 — Pakistan capital gateway. PIA from MAN/BHX; Gulf hub connections via QR/EK. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide-2026 and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.4Very Good
On-time7.2Departure reliability
Experience7.3Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.7Food, shops, seating
Lounges7.5Lounge 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
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score7.5/10
Highlights
Primary UK–Pakistan gateway for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and northern Punjab
PIA direct MAN–ISB and BHX–ISB; Gulf carriers via DXB/DOH most competitive on price
New integrated terminal (2018) — Marhaba and Priority Pass lounges
e-Visa or visa on arrival for UK passport holders — apply online before travel
Overview
Pakistan's capital gateway — PIA direct from Manchester and Birmingham plus one-stop via Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul for UK–Punjab and KPK VFR traffic.
UK VFR routing
Compare direct PIA vs one-stop Qatar/Emirates — Gulf carriers often cheaper in business with superior lounge product.
Allow 60+ min immigration at peak UK arrival banks (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).
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, Islamabad International Airport or East Midlands Airport?
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Which has better lounges, ISB or EMA?
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher for lounges at 7.5/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, ISB or EMA?
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.2/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.
Cookies on FlightLogic.
We use one optional Google Analytics cookie to understand how the site is used.
No analytics runs unless you accept. Essential settings (like this choice and your
theme) are stored on your device only.
Cookie details