East Midlands Airport has appointed Lauren Turner as its new Operations Director as it prepares for expansion in both passenger and cargo operations.
Turner takes on the role after more than a decade at the airport, where she began her career in 2013 as a security officer before progressing through a series of operational posts.
Her appointment follows the recent hiring of a new Commercial Director, whose remit includes delivering the airport’s cargo growth strategy and expanding its passenger network — including plans for a new connection to a major European hub.
The airport said its ambitious growth plans would bring “huge opportunities and challenges” for day-to-day operations, something Turner said she is eager to take on.
After completing a diploma in travel and tourism, Turner chose to work at an airport rather than an airline — a decision she described as “the best I have ever made”.
Over the years, she has worked in airfield security, the airport control room, and as an Airfield Operations Supervisor — initially as the only woman on the team, which is now evenly split between men and women.
She later became Airport Duty Manager, overseeing daily operations, before being promoted to Head of Airfield Operations.
In that role, she led a major project to expand aircraft stand capacity across all three aprons, paving the way for the airport’s future growth.
East Midlands Airport, part of the Manchester Airports Group, is the UK’s largest pure freight hub and a key base for express cargo operators including DHL, UPS and FedEx.
