What You Need to Know About the Expansion of Alicante-Elche Airport
Alicante-Elche Airport, known as one of Spain’s busiest airports, is set for a massive renovation costing €1.1 billion. This expansion will mainly cater to British passengers, who currently face EES (Entry-Exit System) border checks upon arrival.
Why is Alicante Airport Expanding?
The airport has witnessed a rapid increase in traffic, with projections indicating over 20 million passengers by the end of 2025. This surge can be attributed to its appeal as a holiday destination and its popularity among non-resident foreigners purchasing properties. According to the Spanish General Council of Notaries, a significant portion (35.9%) of property purchases in Alicante last year were made by non-residents.
Aena, the airport operator, emphasizes that this expansion is aimed at accommodating future growth while enhancing the travel experience for both passengers and airlines. The rise in British passenger numbers, clocking in at 6.12 million in 2024 alone, necessitates a new terminal area for processing non-EU arrivals due to new EES regulations.
What Are the Plans for the Expansion?
The expansion plans consist of multiple key renovations. The airport’s terminal area, including parking, will see an increase of nearly 30% in surface area. The old terminal building will be demolished, making way for a new annex specifically for non-EU passengers. This move is vital for managing future non-Schengen traffic and centralizing border controls in line with EU regulations.
As reported by Alicante Press, the airport will feature modern boarding gates equipped with walkways, addressing the need for ample comfort and enhanced services for international tourists, especially from the UK.
Notably, new security measures will mean that passengers won’t need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage. They will also be allowed to carry more than just 100ml of liquids, making travel a lot more convenient. The security area will incorporate automated conveyor belts and high-tech luggage inspection services.
Additionally, there will be new shopping zones and a VIP Lounge for travelers looking to unwind before their flight. Plans are also underway to improve runway conditions, thus reducing taxiing times for aircraft. This will not only boost airport capacity but also lead to better fuel efficiency, resulting in lower emissions.
Maurici Lucena, Aena’s president, has assured that the expansion will adhere to strict environmental and sustainability standards. He highlights Aena’s commitment to building modern, safe, and eco-friendly airport infrastructure that ensures quality connectivity without compromising environmental well-being.
How Much is Being Invested?
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently announced a significant investment of €1.15 billion for the Alicante-Elche Airport, expected between 2027 and 2031. Currently, more than €58.2 million has been designated for the initial renovation phases, which includes approximately €20 million for drafting the terminal adaptation project.
In total, Aena plans to invest €12.8 billion in modernizing Spanish airports from 2027 to 2031, marking the largest investment for airports in 20 years. This funding will focus on improving terminals, airfields, IT, digitalization, and cutting-edge safety technologies.
When Will the Renovation Be Complete?
Renovation work on the boarding gates commenced in early October 2025. The company awarded the contract has a maximum of 23 months to complete the renovations, conducting the work during off-peak periods to minimize disruption to air traffic and passengers. Therefore, the first phase is likely to finish by summer 2027.
However, this is just the beginning of a larger project, with the entire expansion expected to be completed by 2031, assuming everything goes smoothly.
In Conclusion
The expansion of Alicante-Elche Airport is a significant step forward in enhancing the travel experience in one of Spain’s most popular regions. With improvements aimed at accommodating increased passenger traffic and ensuring a more comfortable, efficient airport experience, travelers can look forward to a new era of air travel in Alicante.
For those interested in keeping up with the latest updates on this project and other travel tips, consider following relevant Instagram hashtags:
AlicanteAirport #TravelSpain #AlicanteExpansions #SpanishTourism #TravelUpdates #AirportRenovation #SustainableTravel #EuropeanGetaway
Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20251105/qa-what-to-know-about-the-expansion-of-spains-alicante-airport