In response to the overwhelming passenger traffic experienced during the past summer, the Alicante-Elche airport has implemented several measures to alleviate congestion and improve the overall travel experience.
A joint committee formed by the Ministry of the Environment, Infrastructure, Aena, and the Elche City Council has agreed on a three-pronged approach to address the issue of long queues for taxis and public transportation. These measures include increasing the frequency of bus services, expanding the taxi fleet, and improved signage for public transportation options.
Aena, the airport operator, has taken the lead in implementing these changes. New bus shelters have been installed outside the terminal, along with larger signage both inside and outside the airport. The shelters clearly indicate the destinations of various bus lines, providing travellers with more options for reaching their final destinations.
Additionally, Aena has reinforced the signage for taxis, making it easier for passengers to identify and hail taxis both at arrivals and departures. The Ministry of Infrastructure has also announced plans to increase the frequency of bus connections to major tourist destinations in the Alicante and Murcia regions.
To address the immediate needs of the summer season, the Elche City Council has temporarily expanded its taxi fleet by 25%. This increase brings the total number of taxis in Elche to approximately 260, providing additional transportation options for travellers.
While the temporary measures implemented this summer have helped alleviate congestion, the long-term solution remains the much-anticipated railway connection to the airport. Adif, the Spanish railway infrastructure manager, has been working on this project for several years, but progress has been slow.
As the Alicante-Elche airport continues to experience record passenger traffic, it is essential to monitor the situation and implement further measures to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for all passengers.
