'An oasis of calm in such a busy environment' 

A new airside prayer room has opened at East Midlands Airport (EMA)

The room is open to people of all faiths and non, and is 'a welcome addition to the much larger space we already have in the landside departure terminal, explained Baptist minister and senior chaplain Roy Monks. 

The room can be found on the first floor near to the Castle Rock Bar.

Roy said, 'We are very thankful to the airport management that in the £120 million investment currently being spent improving airport facilities, money has been found to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of customers and staff.

'We are sure that just like the landside room, this new space will prove to be an invaluable resource to many of the millions of people who pass through the airport's doors. 

'An oasis of calm in such a busy environment is now becoming a regular feature to the modern traveller, and we are especially delighted that this new space has been opened in the 25th anniversary year of the founding of EMA's Chaplaincy service.'



A service to mark the opening of the room took place on 19 August. 

There was a packed attendance and the airport's managing director Steve Griffiths cut the ribbon and declared the space open.   

Roy gave the opening address, Alan Benstock, the national co-ordinator for British Airport Chaplaincy, read from Psalm 145, and candles symbolising light and love were lit by many in the congregation after prayers and other speeches. 


The picture shows the Airport Chaplaincy Team, from left to right: Major John Parrott (Salvation Army), the Revd Dr Juan Carlos Valer (Roman Catholic), the Revd Dr Moira Biggins (Methodist) and Roy.