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Date Published: 16/09/2026

Alicante Airport gets €868 million investment as Spain freezes airport fees

The Costa Blanca airport is set for major terminal and airfield improvements as passenger numbers continue to soar

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is set for an €868 million investment over the next five years as part of a huge new spending programme approved by the Spanish Government.

After endless negotiations, Aena's third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III) has finally been green-lighted by the powers that be, which sets out almost €13 billion of investment across Spain's airport network between 2027 and 2031.

The Council of Ministers approved the plan on Tuesday, alongside an average annual increase in airport charges of just 0.33%. That means airport fees will remain virtually frozen over the five-year period despite passenger numbers across Spain expected to rise from 321 million in 2025 to around 358 million by 2031.

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport will receive the biggest share of the Valencian Community's airport investment with €868 million earmarked for the next five years.

The bulk of the money will go towards expanding the terminal area as well as improvements to the airfield and apron and enhanced security facilities. A further €402 million will be invested at Valencia Airport, including terminal improvements, a new security checkpoint and upgrades to parking and access areas.

However, the Valencian Government has warned that investment needs to translate into actual construction work as passenger numbers continue to rise.

Marián Cano, the Valencian Minister of Tourism, called on the central government for "fewer announcements and more action" following Tuesday's approval.

Ms Cano said the Valencian Community "needs not just headlines, but real planning, tenders, construction projects and firm deadlines" to deal with growing demand for air travel.

She highlighted the importance of both Alicante-Elche and Valencia airports to tourism, transport and the wider regional economy.

"The airports in the Valencian Community are growing beyond their operational capacity and the number of passengers they were designed for," Ms Cano said.

"The Valencian Community is growing at more than twice the national average and, therefore, needs investments that keep pace with its actual demand," she added.

Image: CybJubal, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

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