Alicante Airport Nears 20 Million Passengers After a Landmark Year in 2025
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
A Record-Breaking Year for Alicante–Elche Airport
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport came remarkably close to a historic milestone in 2025, handling almost 20 million passengers over the course of the year. With just under 50,000 travellers separating the airport from the 20-million threshold, the figures confirm 2025 as the strongest year in the airport’s history.
Compared with 2024, passenger numbers rose by around 8.5%, representing an increase of more than 1.5 million travellers. This sustained growth reinforces Alicante Airport’s position as one of Spain’s fastest-growing and most strategically important gateways, particularly for international tourism.
International Travel Drives Growth
The airport’s performance in 2025 was largely fuelled by international demand, which accounted for close to nine out of every ten passengers. Overseas traffic continued to expand at a faster pace than domestic travel, underlining Alicante’s strong appeal in key European markets.
The United Kingdom remained by far the largest source market, contributing well over six million passengers during the year. Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland also recorded robust volumes, with Poland surpassing the one-million-passenger mark for the first time. This diverse mix of markets reflects Alicante Airport’s growing importance as a hub for both leisure travel and long-stay tourism.
Rising Flight Operations Reflect Strong Demand
The increase in passenger numbers was matched by a notable rise in flight activity. Throughout 2025, Alicante Airport handled more than 126,000 aircraft movements, an increase of over 8% compared with the previous year.
This growth in operations highlights the airport’s expanding route network and the continued commitment of airlines to the Costa Blanca. It also illustrates the mounting pressure on existing infrastructure as traffic levels continue to rise year after year.
Expansion and Modernisation Plans Move Forward
With passenger demand approaching the limits of current capacity, plans to improve and expand Alicante Airport have taken on renewed urgency. Airport operator Aena is preparing investment programmes designed to ensure the terminal can cope with future growth while maintaining service quality.
Planned works include a substantial enlargement of the passenger terminal, improved access roads, additional parking facilities and upgraded internal layouts. A new security screening area is also set to be introduced, incorporating modern technology that will allow passengers to pass through checkpoints more efficiently without removing liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage.
Improved Facilities for Non-Schengen Passengers
Another key element of the proposed development is the reorganisation of non-Schengen traffic areas. The existing old terminal building is expected to be removed to make way for a new pier dedicated to non-Schengen flights, which primarily serve the UK market.
This new facility aims to offer more space, better passenger flow and a wider range of services, significantly improving the experience for travellers arriving from or departing to destinations outside the Schengen Area.
Preparing Alicante Airport for the Future
The near-20-million passenger figure achieved in 2025 underlines the long-term, structural nature of Alicante Airport’s growth. Rather than being driven by short-term fluctuations, the upward trend reflects sustained international demand, strong airline confidence and the region’s continued appeal as a tourist destination.
As expansion and modernisation plans progress, Alicante Airport is positioning itself to meet future demand while strengthening its role as one of Spain’s leading international airports.