Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, a popular gateway for British tourists to Spain's Costa Blanca, is set to undergo a significant £985 million expansion. The five-year project, scheduled to commence in 2027 and run until 2031, aims to modernise facilities and, crucially, address potential bottlenecks at border control, particularly those arising from the recently implemented EU Entry-Exit System (EES).
A core component of the upgrade is the construction of a new terminal specifically designed to handle non-Schengen area traffic. This new facility will feature centralised border control points, intended to streamline the EES process for travellers, including the hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers who frequent the region. The EES, which fully rolled out on 10 April 2026, digitally registers non-EU nationals upon each entry and exit from the Schengen area, requiring biometric data and raising concerns about potential delays at busy airports.
Concerns about airport readiness were highlighted earlier this month by Ryanair, which identified Alicante as one of several European aviation hubs it believes are currently ill-equipped to manage high passenger volumes during peak summer seasons. The airline cited insufficient staff, kiosks, and general system readiness as key issues that could exacerbate EES-related delays. The planned expansion directly seeks to mitigate these issues, aiming for a smoother experience for passengers.
Beyond the new terminal, the comprehensive upgrade plan includes several other improvements. The number of boarding gates will be increased, facilitating 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 car park buildings, all designed to enhance the overall airport experience.
The investment forms part of Dora 3, a regulatory document overseeing airport operations by Spanish airport operator Aena. While the total investment for the expansion is £985 million, approximately £387 million is earmarked for spending during the initial 2027-2031 period. Aena has stated that the Dora 3 proposal is currently under review and is awaiting approval from the Council of Ministers of the Spanish Government, with a decision expected by 30 September 2026.