Valencia and Alicante airports set for major expansion

                                                                                       © By Letara Draghia/EuroWeekly - Credit: Pexels, Stas Knop

Spanish airport operator, Aena, has announced ambitious development plans for both Valencia and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airports.

The aim is to better accommodate growing passenger demand and modernise key facilities.

€19.8 million expansion at Alicante-Elche Airport

The Alicante-Elche airport expansion project has already been approved, with the tender process recently announced. FTN News reported that the €19.8 million initiative will extend the terminal building and aircraft parking areas. Specific upgrades include:

• Expanding Terminal 1’s boarding dock to handle increased traffic from non-Schengen destinations.
• Adding new commercial spaces.
• Upgrading parking lots and electrical systems.

Valencia Airport expansion plans underway

Valencia Airport’s expansion project is progressing through the design phase. Aena has allocated a €400 million budget to enhance the terminal’s capacity and passenger experience. Planned upgrades will target:

• Modernising toilets.
• Increasing commercial spaces.
• Adding seating areas and charging stations.

Further details on the Valencia project are expected to be announced soon.

The urgency of these developments is underlined by record passenger numbers. At Valencia Airport alone, numbers surpassed its maximum capacity of 10.5 million annual passengers in 2024. Aena’s upgrades aim to address these capacity constraints and ensure the airport can support future growth.

Marián Cano, the regional minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism, described Aena’s plans as a “step in the right direction” but “insufficient.” She has called for further investments, including a second runway and a rail connection to Alicante airport. Cano emphasised the importance of these expansions for regional economic growth and maintaining operational excellence.

These expansions demonstrate Aena’s commitment to future-proofing its infrastructure, ensuring the region remains a key hub in Spain’s aviation network. The upgrades will not only enhance passenger experiences but also attract more travellers, hopefully bolstering the local economy and tourism industry.