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London Stansted Airport vs East Midlands Airport
Detailed comparison of STN and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
London Stansted Airport (STN) scores higher overall at 6.9/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
London Stansted Airport (STN) scores 6.9/10 (Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.7),
passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.0).
Lounge quality rates 6.8/10. See full airport guide →
In short
London Stansted (STN) is rated 6.9/10 on FlightLogic — primarily a Ryanair and Jet2 leisure hub. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~45 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/stansted-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score6.9Good
On-time6.7Departure reliability
Experience6.8Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.0Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.8Lounge 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
6.7
Passenger Experience
6.8
Facilities & Comfort
7.0
Lounge score6.8/10
Highlights
Ryanair's largest UK base — dominant low-cost hub for Europe and Mediterranean leisure routes
Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in ~45 minutes — fastest rail link among London secondary airports
UK261 applies to all UK-departing flights — including Ryanair and Jet2
Overview
London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.
Ryanair hub and low-cost operations
Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.
UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.
Getting to central London
Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.
Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.
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, London Stansted Airport or East Midlands Airport?
London Stansted Airport (STN) scores higher overall at 6.9/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Which has better lounges, STN or EMA?
London Stansted Airport (STN) scores higher for lounges at 6.8/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, STN or EMA?
London Stansted Airport (STN) has stronger on-time performance at 6.7/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.
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