Alicante airport growth continues ahead of summer season

Passenger numbers at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport have continued their upward trend, with more than 1.6 million travellers passing through the terminal in March, marking a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
The latest figures confirm the airport’s growing role as one of Spain’s key international gateways, particularly as the region prepares for the busy summer season. The rise reflects strong demand from European markets, reinforcing the Costa Blanca’s position as a leading destination for tourism and second-home travel.

International demand drives passenger growth

International traffic once again drove the increase, accounting for the vast majority of passengers. Over 1.4 million travellers arrived from abroad, with the United Kingdom remaining the dominant market, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium.

Despite the overall growth, domestic passenger numbers saw a slight decline, highlighting the airport’s continued reliance on international connectivity. The figures underline how closely the region’s economy is tied to inbound travel and seasonal tourism patterns.

Flight activity rises as airlines expand capacity

Flight activity also rose in line with passenger demand. More than 10,000 aircraft movements were recorded in March, representing a 7.5 per cent increase year on year and signalling increased airline capacity ahead of peak months. The first quarter results further reinforce the positive outlook. Between January and March, nearly 3.95 million passengers used the airport, up 6.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.

These figures place Alicante-Elche among the busiest airports in Spain, reflecting both sustained tourism demand and improved connectivity across Europe. As airlines expand routes and frequencies, the airport is expected to play an even greater role in supporting the local economy and hospitality sector in the months ahead. Industry analysts suggest that if current trends continue, 2026 could surpass previous annual passenger records at the airport. This would further strengthen its position as a key hub for international travel into southern Spain.