Elche Council has closed another unlicensed airport parking compound near Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport as it continues its crackdown on illegal long-stay parking sites.
Local Police have now closed the facility in Torrellano Alto. The site covered more than 5,000 square metres and could hold more than 3,500 vehicles.
The closure forms part of the council’s campaign to stop new airport parking compounds opening or expanding while it updates the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU).
Judge supports the council’s decision
Mayor Pablo Ruz said the council had followed every legal and administrative step before ordering the closure.
The company running the site asked the court to stop the action while it challenged the decision. The judge rejected that request.
In the ruling, the judge said the council’s agreement, approved on April 23, applies equally to every operator. It does not give special treatment or exemptions to any business.
The judge also ruled that the company could not claim financial losses after expanding its operations despite knowing about the council’s restrictions.
According to the court, the council’s policy is clear, public and consistent with its aim of regulating airport parking around Elche.
Vehicle owners can still collect their cars
Around 3,650 vehicles remain inside the compound.
Owners can still collect their cars by following a procedure agreed between Local Police and the site operator. Police officers will supervise every vehicle leaving the compound to make sure the closure order remains in force.
Council inspectors found that the business had expanded across nine separate plots without the necessary licence.
Before closing the site, officials carried out inspections, issued notices, considered the company’s objections and rejected its appeal.
More airport parking sites face closure
This is the second airport parking compound the council has closed in recent weeks. Together, the two sites contained more than 4,500 vehicles.
The council has already opened two more enforcement cases. Both have reached an advanced stage and could lead to further closures in the coming weeks.
At the same time, officials continue reviewing more than 110 airport parking compounds across the municipality.
Inspectors have already visited around 85 sites. They are also checking 45 older compounds alongside another 30 businesses that received temporary licences in 2005.
Ruz said the council’s aim is not simply to close businesses. Instead, it wants every operator to meet the same planning and licensing rules while the new regulations are prepared.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- What: Elche has closed another illegal airport parking compound in Torrellano Alto.
- Court decision: A judge rejected the operator’s request to stop the closure.
- Size: The site covered more than 5,000 square metres and held around 3,650 vehicles.
- Vehicle owners: Drivers can still collect their cars under police supervision.
- What’s next: The council is preparing two more closure orders.
- Bigger picture: Officials continue inspecting more than 110 airport parking compounds around the airport.
