There are calls for the airport to have a more recognisable name

Northwest Leicestershire MP David Taylor says the idea is being promoted by an East Midlands regional assembly which is influenced by the city of Nottingham.

"It is a daft idea," Mr Taylor said.

He said Nottingham residents do not have to live with the environmental downsides, such as noise pollution, that are experienced by residents in Northwest Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.

The owners of East Midlands Airport have said they will undertake market research and public opinion polls before making any change.

BMI Baby spokesman Tony Davies said: "Trying to get people to come to East Midlands Airport is quite difficult.

"We think anchoring the name to one of the major cities is the best idea and research shows that Nottingham is the best known of the local cities."

BMI Baby is already describing the airport as Nottingham East Midlands when advertising abroad.