Aena, the state-owned airport operator, has awarded Quarto Proyectos a contract to build a new parking area designed for buses, taxis, and ride-hailing vehicles at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The €815,000 project aims to ease congestion in the terminal’s passenger pick-up and drop-off zone and to tighten control over unauthorized transport services.
The new facility will be located in front of Terminal 2 and will serve as a dedicated waiting area for vehicles that need to remain on-site for extended periods. This will free up the current pick-up area—now reserved exclusively for brief passenger drop-offs and collections—helping to improve traffic flow around the terminal.
According to the contract approved by Aena, the project will cost €815,146.79 including taxes, below the original tender estimate of €959,172.61. Construction is expected to take seven months, with the new area scheduled to be operational by July, in time for the airport’s busy summer season. Although work has not yet begun, Aena expects the improvements to enhance both comfort and efficiency for passengers arriving at or departing from the terminal.
A Dedicated Area for Waiting Buses
The project provides a designated parking space for buses waiting to pick up passengers, allowing them to remain on airport grounds without occupying the limited terminal frontage, where only short stops are permitted. This measure is intended to prevent bottlenecks at the terminal entrance and ensure smoother public transport operations.
Enhanced Access Control to Prevent Illegal Transport Services
The plan also includes an upgraded access control system featuring barriers and license plate recognition technology. This will help deter unauthorized operators—commonly known as “pirate taxis”—by ensuring that only licensed taxis, scheduled public buses, and pre-booked, authorized private hire vehicles may enter the area.
Aena’s project report notes that the airport “requires improved parking for scheduled buses, relocating them to the bus bay area in S2,” and specifies that both entry and exit points will be controlled through newly installed barriers. The report further highlights that the project will equip the area with a comprehensive management, control, and payment system, in line with the guidelines set by Aena’s Management Committee on 19 December 2022.
The development will also incorporate a dedicated area for ride-hailing services, with controlled access similar to that of other regulated transport providers.
