Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is preparing for what could become its busiest summer on record. Airlines have scheduled significantly more flights for the start of July than they did at the same point last year.
According to airport operator Aena, 4,475 arrivals and departures are planned between 26 June and 5 July. That’s up from 4,045 during the equivalent period in 2025, an increase of 10.6%.
Busiest day falls on 4 July
The airport expects its busiest day on Saturday 4 July, when 482 flights are due to operate.
That comfortably exceeds last year’s peak of 442 flights on the equivalent Saturday. As a result, the figures underline the continued growth in demand for flights to and from the Costa Blanca.
Peak season gets under way
The latest figures point to another exceptionally busy summer for Alicante province.
Although passenger numbers remain strong throughout the year, July and August are still the airport’s busiest months. Last July, Alicante Airport handled more than 2.1 million passengers, while August also topped the two million mark. Both months set new records.
Passenger growth continues
So far, 2026 has continued that upward trend.
Between January and the end of May, Alicante Airport welcomed 7,937,610 passengers. That represents a 9% increase compared with the same period last year.
If growth continues at a similar pace, annual passenger numbers could exceed 21 million for the first time, comfortably surpassing the current record of 19.9 million travellers.
More airline seats available
The positive outlook also reflects earlier forecasts from the Airline Association (ALA).
The organisation predicted a 14.1% increase in airline seat capacity at Alicante Airport during the 2026 summer season, which runs from April to the end of October.
