Aena lays out €868m investment plan for Alicante–Elche airport expansion

The Leader
26 Feb 2026

Spain’s airport operator Aena has set out the financial roadmap for the long-awaited expansion of Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, confirming total investment of €868 million over the next five years and a completion date of 2036.

The breakdown follows the €1.154 billion headline figure announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during a visit to Elche last September. Aena now confirms that €453 million will be allocated in the next Airports Regulation Document (DORA 2027–2031), with the remaining €701 million earmarked for the subsequent cycle, DORA 2032–2036, to complete the works.

Aena confirms the terminal’s surface area will expand by almost 30%. Key works include upgrading the main processing building with a new state-of-the-art security checkpoint, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in hand luggage, significantly improving throughput and passenger experience.

The existing old terminal will be demolished to make way for a new pier dedicated to non-Schengen traffic, reflecting stricter border control requirements...

Aena lays out €868m investment plan for Alicante–Elche airport expansion - The Leader - 26 Feb 2026