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Date Published: 26/02/2026

Huge €868 million boost confirmed for Alicante Airport expansion

A major overhaul to the terminal and other facilities planned at the Costa Blanca gateway

Big changes are on the way for Alicante Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, with airport operator Aena confirming it will pour €868 million into the Costa Blanca hub over the next five years.

The investment will be spread out over two planning cycles, known as DORA 3 and DORA 4, stretching the project’s horizon to 2036. Of the €1.154 billion overall package previously announced, €453 million will be allocated from 2027, with the remaining €701 million set aside for the 2032 to 2036 period.

The scale of the project reflects the airport’s rapid growth. Alicante Elche Miguel Hernández Airport handled a record 19.9 million passengers in 2025, making it the fifth busiest airport in Spain. Forecasts suggest numbers could rise to 22.3 million within the next five years.

Roughly half of the €868 million earmarked for the coming phase will go on physically expanding the terminal. The rest will fund upgrades across the wider site, including parking areas, access roads and operational zones.

Plans include enlarging the terminal by almost 30%, installing a new security control area with modern scanners that remove the need to take liquids and electronics out of hand luggage, and demolishing the old terminal to make way for a new non-Schengen boarding area. This is particularly relevant for British travellers, who remain the largest foreign group using the airport.

Aena also intends to improve aircraft taxiways to reduce waiting times and emissions.

To help fund the programme, the operator has proposed an average annual fee increase of €0.35 per passenger at Alicante, a move that has already drawn criticism from some airlines like Ryanair concerned about rising costs.

Image: Enaire

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