Published on
January 14, 2026
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) has set a new milestone, welcoming 19,950,394 passengers in 2025. This marks an 8.5% increase compared to 2024, signaling a thriving tourism future for the Costa Blanca region. As one of Spain’s busiest airports, this growth underscores Alicante-Elche’s pivotal role as a Mediterranean gateway.
International Growth:
Of the 20 million annual travellers, 88% were international passengers. The airport saw a surge in visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland, positioning it as a strategic hub for international tourism. December 2025 was the busiest month on record, with over 1.3 million passengers—an 8.4% increase from the previous year.
This incredible growth reflects a strong recovery from the pandemic and reinforces Alicante-Elche’s appeal as a top travel destination in Spain.
Tourism Leaders Demand Urgent Airport Expansion
The surge in passengers has sparked calls for immediate action. Regional tourism authorities, including Marian Cano, the Consellera de Turismo, have expressed concerns over infrastructure limitations. The current facilities struggle to cope with the overwhelming demand, which threatens to limit further tourism growth.
Cano has called for expansion to keep pace with passenger numbers. Plans for the airport’s development include a 30% expansion of terminal space and improvements to the airport’s security and parking facilities.
Cano’s call for a dedicated non-Schengen pier, especially to accommodate the growing British market, could transform the airport’s capacity. This urgency reflects a shift from long-term planning to immediate solutions.
Government Investment to Support Long-Term Growth
The Spanish government has announced a bold plan, DORA III (2027–2031), which includes over €12.8 billion in investment for airport infrastructure across the country. Alicante-Elche is a key beneficiary with €1.15 billion allocated for its expansion.
This funding will:
- Expand the terminal by 30%, allowing for greater capacity.
- Improve security screening systems to expedite passenger flow.
- Build new taxiways to cut aircraft wait times.
- Integrate advanced technology to improve airport services.
Although regional stakeholders have called for a second runway, the current plans do not include one. This will likely be a point of contention as the airport seeks to meet its rising demands.
Alicante-Elche: A Crucial Hub for Costa Blanca Tourism
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is not just a transportation hub—it is a vital contributor to the Costa Blanca tourism economy. With its proximity to the Alicante and Elche regions, the airport serves as a gateway to beaches, culture, and history in one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
In 2024, the airport handled over 18.3 million passengers and ranked as the fifth busiest airport in Spain. In addition to easyJet, Ryanair, and Norwegian, the airport serves international carriers that connect Costa Blanca to major cities worldwide.
This influx of international visitors, along with the planned improvements, is set to boost tourism in the region. Increased connectivity will bring in more travellers, providing greater opportunities for the local economy.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Challenges: The Road Ahead
Despite these promising developments, connectivity challenges remain. Currently, the airport has no direct rail link, hindering seamless access from major tourist hubs. Although rail connections have been proposed, these projects are still in early development stages and may not be completed until 2027.
Improving access between the airport and surrounding regions is crucial to ensure smooth travel for tourists. Government and local authorities continue to prioritize this as a major step toward improving mobility.
The Path to a Thriving Costa Blanca
The 2025 performance at Alicante-Elche Airport is a clear signal of growth and potential for Costa Blanca tourism. The record-breaking passenger numbers, combined with the ambitious expansion plans, will lay the foundation for a brighter future for the region’s tourism.
As the airport prepares for upgrades, tourism leaders and authorities are confident that these changes will enhance the travel experience for millions. With more flights, better services, and expanded capacity, Alicante-Elche is poised to become one of Europe’s top travel destinations.
For Costa Blanca, the future looks promising. With expanded facilities, greater connectivity, and sustained demand, Alicante-Elche Airport will continue to play a crucial role in driving the region’s tourism industry to new heights.
