Alicante Airport Expansion Faces Political Hurdles Despite Record Growth
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Alicante Airport Expansion Faces Political Hurdles Despite Record Growth
Strongest Growth in Spain this Summer
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has not only had a record-breaking August, but July also saw it outperform every other Spanish airport in terms of international passenger growth. Nearly one million overseas travellers landed in Alicante in July, an 8.3% rise on the previous year. Between January and July, international arrivals grew by 11%, bringing the airport close to five million foreign passengers in just seven months.
With Britain remaining the largest market by far, and strong increases from the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, Alicante continues to strengthen its role as a leading gateway for international tourism to the Costa Blanca.
Expansion Plans Summarised
As previously reported, a €1.154 billion investment has been allocated for 2027–2031. The project includes enlarging the passenger terminal, introducing next-generation security checks, constructing a new non-Schengen departures area, upgrading car parks and access roads, and improving taxiways to cut delays and emissions. See here for further details.
This major development is designed not only to handle more passengers but also to make travel faster, easier and more sustainable.
Podemos Raises Objections
The expansion, however, has not gone unchallenged. Podemos, a left-wing political party in Spain known for its progressive and environmentalist stance, has declared its opposition. The party argues that large-scale infrastructure projects like airport and port expansions worsen the climate crisis and primarily benefit construction companies.
To underline its position, Podemos has threatened to block the Sustainable Mobility Bill, the legislation required to authorise the airport works. This creates uncertainty about the project’s timeline.
Why the Government Believes Expansion is Necessary
The Spanish Government has presented a different perspective. According to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the expansion is not just about handling more flights, but about safeguarding the airport’s role as a key driver of the regional economy.
Some of the government’s counterarguments include:
- Economic growth and jobs: Alicante-Elche Airport is one of the largest employers in the province, directly and indirectly supporting thousands of jobs. Expansion would create further employment opportunities in construction, tourism and services.
- Tourism demand: The Costa Blanca is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, and with passenger numbers expected to reach 26 million in the coming years, the existing facilities would struggle without upgrades.
- Better passenger experience: New technology at security checks and improved terminal facilities would reduce waiting times and improve comfort for both residents and international visitors.
- Environmental efficiency: While Podemos highlights environmental risks, the government argues that the works will actually improve sustainability. Faster taxiways and rapid exits will cut fuel consumption, while modernised infrastructure supports the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
How the Government is Responding
To ensure the project moves forward, Sánchez’s government is working to secure support from other parties in Parliament. This includes negotiating with regional parties and independents so that the Sustainable Mobility Bill can pass, even if Podemos votes against it.
What This Means for Travellers
For passengers, there is no immediate change. Airlines are continuing to add new routes, international arrivals are growing strongly, and Alicante remains one of Spain’s busiest and most important tourist airports.
Although the political debate may take time to resolve, the long-term vision is clear: Alicante-Elche Airport is preparing for a future with more flight options, shorter queues, and improved facilities, ensuring millions of visitors can continue to enjoy smooth access to the Costa Blanca.