Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is heading into the peak travel season with exceptional momentum, as airlines schedule 16 million seats between April and October — a clear sign of confidence in the Costa Blanca’s strength as one of Europe’s most attractive Mediterranean destinations.
The latest forecast from the Airline Association, ALA, points to a 14.10% increase in capacity at Alicante-Elche Airport, far ahead of the growth expected at Spain’s largest travel hubs. Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga are forecast to grow by around 7% to 8%, placing Alicante among the standout performers of the summer season.
For the province of Alicante, the figures reinforce its position as a safe, reliable and highly desirable holiday destination. As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect some long-haul travel routes, Mediterranean destinations such as the Costa Blanca are benefiting from strong demand from tourists and tour operators looking for well-connected, stable and sun-filled alternatives.
The 16 million seats scheduled for Alicante-Elche during the peak season also exceed earlier expectations and come against a national average growth forecast of 5.7% for 2025. Alicante is therefore close to tripling Spain’s average projected increase, underlining the airport’s growing strategic importance for tourism and connectivity.
Hotel and tourism indicators are also encouraging. At the recent Hosbec assembly, airport director Laura Navarro reported an average occupancy rate of 89%. If that level is maintained through the season, Alicante province could welcome more than 14 million passengers between April and October alone. The airport had already handled 3.9 million passengers in the first quarter, setting a strong foundation for what could become a record-breaking year.
Alicante-Elche Airport has consistently outperformed wider market trends. In April, passenger numbers rose by 10.9%, compared with the Aena network average of 3.7%. Among Spain’s ten busiest airports, only Bilbao recorded comparable growth, although Alicante continues to operate at a much larger tourism scale.
The airport’s performance is especially impressive when compared with direct competitors such as Málaga and Valencia. According to ALA, Málaga has scheduled 22 million seats with growth of 8.20%, while Valencia has 9.6 million seats and growth of 11.50%. Alicante’s 14.10% increase places it firmly among Spain’s fastest-growing major airports.
The positive outlook comes as Alicante-Elche Airport prepares for major investment aimed at supporting future demand, improving passenger experience and strengthening the region’s international connectivity. With growing airline confidence, strong hotel occupancy and sustained demand for Costa Blanca holidays, the airport is set to play a central role in Alicante’s tourism success this summer.
ALA president Javier Gándara said the sector is approaching the summer with optimism, supported by a 5.7% rise in national airline capacity and traffic already growing this year. He also advised travellers who have not yet booked their flights to do so soon in order to secure the best conditions.
The association did, however, note that rising kerosene prices and geopolitical uncertainty remain challenges for airlines. Fuel represents around 30% of airline operating costs, and volatility can affect the sector. Even so, Spain is considered relatively well positioned, as only 11% of the oil it consumes comes from the Middle East and more than 80% of aviation kerosene used in Spain is produced in domestic refineries.
For Alicante and the wider Costa Blanca, the message is clear: demand is strong, confidence is high and the region is ready for one of its busiest and most successful summer seasons yet.
