Alicante Airport Announces €1.154 Billion Renovation Plan as Passenger Numbers Near 20 Million

Over a Billion Euros to Modernise Alicante Airport

Alicante-Elche Airport has announced a comprehensive expansion and renovation programme with a total investment of €1.154 billion. The first phase, covering the period 2027 to 2031, will cost over €450 million. The investment will be funded through airport fees rather than public or taxpayer money.

Airport Director Laura Navarro stated that "capacity simply has to be brought in line with demand" — a reflection of the dramatic growth the airport has experienced over the past decade.

Passenger Numbers Set to Double in a Decade

Alicante Airport handled approximately 10 million passengers a decade ago. That figure is expected to exceed 20 million in 2026 — a doubling of throughput that has placed significant strain on existing infrastructure. International tourism spending in the region is expected to reach €16 billion by 2025, underlining the economic importance of keeping the airport functional and competitive.

What the Expansion Includes

The renovation and expansion plan covers a wide range of improvements:

• Terminal expansion northwards
• A new departure pier for non-Schengen flights
• Additional airbridges
• Reorganisation of commercial aviation areas
• Expanded parking facilities
• New taxi and bus drop-off areas
• Redesigned access roads to increase traffic capacity

Road Access Called "Unsustainable"

Provincial Council President Toni Pérez described the current single road access route to the airport as "unsustainable" given existing traffic volumes, and pressed for improved rail connections to be included in the longer-term planning. The road access issue has been a persistent source of congestion, particularly during peak travel periods.

New Routes Added This Season

The capacity pressure comes as new routes continue to launch from Alicante. Eurowings is restoring its Hanover connection (twice weekly), and Vueling is launching a new service to Tangier (twice weekly) — further increasing the demand the expanded infrastructure will need to accommodate.

This article is based on reporting from Alicante Today, published May 7, 2026.