Alicante-Elche Airport is experiencing an exceptionally strong summer. In July 2026, more than 2.34 million passengers passed through the airport – an increase of 11.1 per cent compared with the same month last year. A new annual passenger record is therefore drawing ever closer.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport remains on track for a record year. A total of 2,341,007 passengers used the Costa Blanca airport in July, representing an 11.1 per cent increase compared with July 2025. At the same time, 14,281 aircraft movements were recorded, 11.3 per cent more than in the same month last year.
The figures for the first seven months of the year are equally impressive. From January to the end of July, a total of 12,402,145 passengers passed through the airport, representing a 9.6 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. There was also a significant rise in aircraft movements, with 78,259 take-offs and landings recorded by the end of July – 9.9 per cent more than during the same period in 2025.
UK remains the most important market
International air travel remains particularly strong. In July alone, 2,088,344 international passengers travelled through Alicante-Elche Airport, an increase of 11.6 per cent compared with July last year. Domestic traffic also rose, reaching 251,355 passengers – a 7.4 per cent increase.
The UK remains by far the most important international market. Around one-third of all passengers in July came from the United Kingdom. This is particularly significant for the Costa Blanca, as large numbers of British holidaymakers and residents rely on the airport as a key link between Spain and the UK.
Summer provides a further boost
The latest figures are particularly noteworthy because the traditionally busiest weeks of the summer are not yet fully reflected in the annual figures. August, one of the airport’s busiest months, is now under way.
Already in June, Alicante-Elche recorded more than 2.12 million passengers. A total of 10,061,138 travellers passed through the airport during the first six months of the year – 9.3 per cent more than in the first half of 2025.
If the trend seen in recent months continues, the airport is expected to surpass its previous record of almost 20 million passengers, set in 2025. A total of 19,950,394 travellers passed through the airport that year.
More and more travellers heading to the Costa Blanca
The strong growth at Alicante-Elche Airport is an important boost for the Costa Blanca as a whole. More passengers mean increased demand for hotels, holiday rentals, car hire, restaurants and other tourism-related services across the region.
At the same time, the figures underline the major importance of international tourism to the province of Alicante. The vast majority of passengers come from abroad, with the UK playing a particularly prominent role.
The key question in the coming months will therefore be just how far the airport’s previous annual record will be surpassed. Following a strong July and with the peak of the summer season still ahead, Alicante-Elche Airport looks set to continue its growth.
The Costa Blanca is not only experiencing a strong summer – Alicante Airport is also on course for another record-breaking year.
