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Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is set for a major transformation following the approval of an €868.3 million investment programme between 2027 and 2031.
The announcement comes at a particularly significant time for the Costa Blanca, with Alicante Airport continuing to break passenger records and reinforcing its position as one of the most important gateways for international visitors to southeastern Spain.
For those who live on the Costa Blanca, own a holiday home here or are considering buying a property in the area, continued investment in the region's transport infrastructure is significant news.
€868 Million Investment Approved
On 15 September 2026, Spain's Council of Ministers approved the latest airport investment framework covering the period from 2027 to 2031.
Under the plans, €868.3 million will be invested at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, representing a substantial increase in investment compared with the previous five-year period.
The programme includes €453 million towards the airport expansion project, which forms part of a larger long-term development programme.
The plans are designed not simply to make the airport larger, but also to improve passenger experience, security and the efficiency of aircraft movements.
What Will Change at Alicante Airport?
One of the biggest changes planned is an expansion of the existing terminal building.
The terminal area is expected to increase by approximately 30%, providing additional space to deal with the continued growth in passenger numbers.
Plans also include improvements to:
Terminal facilities
Road access and parking
Passenger security controls
Taxiways and aircraft movements
Facilities for non-Schengen passengers
The old terminal building is planned to be demolished to make way for a new pier dedicated to non-Schengen traffic. This is particularly relevant for travellers arriving from and departing for the United Kingdom.
There are also plans for upgraded security technology that should allow passengers to pass through controls without having to remove liquids and electronic devices from their hand luggage.
Improvements to taxiways and a new rapid-exit taxiway are also intended to improve the efficiency of aircraft movements and help reduce delays and emissions associated with ground operations.
Alicante Airport Breaks Another Passenger Record
The investment comes as Alicante Airport continues to experience exceptionally strong passenger growth.
New figures released in September show that August 2026 was the busiest August in the airport's history.
A total of 2,337,378 passengers travelled through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport during the month – an increase of 11.4% compared with August 2025.
The airport also handled 14,069 flights during August, an increase of 11.7% year-on-year.
Between January and August 2026, Alicante Airport handled approximately 14.74 million passengers, almost 10% more than during the same period of 2025.
Those figures demonstrate just how important Alicante Airport has become to the region.
Why Alicante Airport Matters to the Costa Blanca
For many people considering buying a property overseas, accessibility is almost as important as the property itself.
You might find the perfect apartment, townhouse or villa, but if getting there involves several flights and hours of additional travelling, owning a holiday home can quickly become less convenient.
This is one of the advantages enjoyed by the Costa Blanca South.
Alicante Airport provides access to a large number of international destinations, making areas such as Ciudad Quesada, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Villamartín, Cabo Roig and Pilar de la Horadada easily accessible for international property owners.
For British homeowners in particular, the planned development of additional facilities for non-Schengen passengers is an important element of the airport expansion.
More Than Just Summer Tourism
Another important change over recent decades has been the development of the Costa Blanca as a year-round destination.
For many overseas property owners, Spain is no longer somewhere they visit only for two weeks in July or August.
People increasingly use their Spanish properties throughout the year – enjoying long weekends, extended winter stays, golfing holidays and visits to friends and family.
Others have chosen to relocate permanently and make the Costa Blanca their home.
That makes reliable year-round international transport connections increasingly important.
What Could the Expansion Mean for Property Buyers?
Major infrastructure investment does not automatically mean property prices will rise, and buyers should always choose a property based primarily on their own circumstances, budget and requirements.
However, good transport connections are an important consideration when deciding where to purchase a property overseas.
Being within convenient travelling distance of an international airport can be particularly attractive for buyers who intend to use their Spanish property regularly while continuing to live or work in another country.
It can also be important when friends and family come to visit.
For many of our clients at Your New Home Spain, this is one of the attractions of buying on the southern Costa Blanca.
From Alicante Airport to Your New Home in Spain
At Your New Home Spain, we believe buying a property abroad should be about much more than simply finding a house or apartment online.
It's about finding the right property in the right area for you.
That's why we help our clients explore different parts of the Costa Blanca and understand what each area has to offer.
Whether you prefer being within walking distance of the beach, overlooking a golf course, close to restaurants and entertainment or somewhere quieter where you can enjoy traditional Spanish life, there are many different options across the region.
And if you're travelling to Spain specifically to look for property, we can make the experience even easier.
We Can Collect You From the Airport
For clients purchasing through Your New Home Spain, we can arrange to collect you from the airport, accompany you personally to property viewings and show you the different areas along the way.
For someone unfamiliar with the Costa Blanca, this can be invaluable.
Sometimes the area you originally thought you wanted isn't ultimately the one you fall in love with.
Seeing the beaches, town centres, golf courses, shopping areas and surrounding neighbourhoods for yourself can make choosing your new home in Spain much easier.
Considering Buying on the Costa Blanca?
With Alicante Airport continuing to break passenger records and major investment now approved for its future expansion, international connectivity remains an important part of the Costa Blanca's appeal.
If you're thinking about buying a holiday home, permanent residence or investment property in Spain, speak to us about what you're looking for.
We can help you create a property shortlist, arrange viewings and introduce you to different areas so that you can make an informed decision about where you'd like your new home to be.
Your New Home Spain
WhatsApp / Tel: +34 638 452 449
Email: info@yournewhomespain.com
Website: www.yournewhomespain.com
Fully licensed real estate agents covering the Costa Blanca South and Mar Menor.
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Information regarding the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport investment and expansion is based on plans and announcements available as of 16 September 2026. Details and project timescales may change as individual works progress.
