Travel Tomorrow
Deborah O'Donoghue
20 July 2026
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is preparing for the largest upgrade in its history, with a €1.154 billion investment programme designed to expand capacity, improve passenger processing and strengthen the airport’s role as a key gateway to the Costa Blanca.
The project is scheduled to begin under Spain’s DORA III airport investment cycle, covering the period from 2027 to 2031.
A central feature of the plan is new infrastructure for non-Schengen traffic, including facilities intended to support centralised border checks under the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES). The biometric system records the movements of non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area, adding new processing requirements that have caused delays and disruption at some busy European airports during the introduction phase.
The expansion is expected to add more aircraft boarding gates, allowing additional passengers to board and disembark through walkways. Plans also include new retail space, an upgraded VIP lounge, expanded parking facilities and broader improvements to passenger circulation...
