Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, a popular gateway for British holidaymakers to Spain, is set to undergo a substantial £985 million expansion. The five-year project, scheduled to commence in 2027 and run until 2031, will introduce a new terminal specifically designed to manage the flow of non-Schengen area traffic and streamline border control processes.
A key driver behind this significant investment is the recent full rollout of the EU's Entry-Exit System (EES) on 10 April 2026. This digital register, which records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals to and from the Schengen area, has raised concerns about potential delays at border checkpoints. The new terminal at Alicante aims to mitigate these concerns by providing centralised border control facilities, specifically tailored to handle the biometric checks required by the EES, thereby easing queues for travellers, including the hundreds of thousands of British tourists who visit the region annually.
The need for such an upgrade was recently highlighted by airline giant Ryanair, which earlier this month identified Alicante as one of several European aviation hubs it deemed 'not ready' to manage high passenger volumes during peak summer seasons. Ryanair cited insufficient staff, kiosks, and system readiness as contributing factors to potential congestion, underscoring the urgency of improvements at busy airports like Alicante.
Beyond the new terminal, the comprehensive expansion plans include an increase in the number of boarding gates, allowing for more efficient passenger boarding and disembarkation via walkways. Travellers can also look forward to new retail areas, an expanded VIP lounge, and the enlargement of existing car park buildings, all designed to enhance the overall airport experience. The project forms part of 'Dora 3', a regulatory document for airport operations overseen by Spanish airport operator Aena.
Of the total £985 million investment allocated for the expansion, approximately £387 million (453 million euros) is specifically earmarked for expenditure during the 2027-2031 period. The 'Dora 3' proposal, which outlines these significant developments, is currently under review and awaits approval from the Council of Ministers of the Spanish Government, with a decision expected by 30 September of this year.
For UK travellers planning trips to Alicante, it's important to be aware of the new EES requirements. British citizens travelling to Spain, as a non-EU country, are now subject to biometric data collection upon entry and exit from the Schengen area. While the new terminal at Alicante aims to improve this process, travellers should always allow ample time for border control, especially during peak seasons. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises checking their travel guidance for Spain regularly for the latest information on entry requirements and any potential travel warnings. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers health emergencies, trip cancellations, and unforeseen delays remains highly recommended for all international travel.