Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is continuing to experience remarkable growth in 2026. New figures released by Spanish airport operator Aena show that the airport handled 16,867,055 passengers between January and September, representing a 10.1% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The latest figures confirm that Alicante Airport is enjoying another exceptionally busy year, with passenger numbers continuing to rise even beyond the traditional summer holiday season.
September alone brought more than 2.1 million travellers through the terminal, while international traffic remained the airport’s main source of passenger growth.
For the Costa Blanca, these figures are particularly important. Alicante Airport is the principal international gateway for millions of holidaymakers visiting destinations such as Benidorm, Torrevieja, Alicante, Calpe, Altea and the wider Costa Blanca region.
But what do the latest numbers tell us about the airport’s growth, where are the passengers coming from, and why is this development becoming increasingly important for the region?
Alicante Airport Handles Almost 16.9 Million Passengers in Nine Months
According to Aena’s September 2026 traffic report, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport handled 16,867,055 passengers during the first nine months of the year.
This represents a 10.1% increase compared with January–September 2025.
The airport also recorded 105,474 aircraft movements during the same period, an increase of 10.4% year on year.
The figures show that passenger growth is being accompanied by a similar increase in flight activity.
| Indicator | January–September 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 16,867,055 | +10.1% |
| Aircraft movements | 105,474 | +10.4% |
| September passengers | 2,127,532 | +11.5% |
| September aircraft movements | 13,146 | +12.4% |
The September results are particularly interesting. Passenger traffic increased by 11.5% compared with September 2025, demonstrating that demand remained strong after the main summer holiday period.
For an airport serving one of Spain’s most popular holiday regions, this is an encouraging sign.
September 2026: More Than 2.1 Million Passengers in One Month
September was another exceptionally busy month for Alicante Airport.
A total of 2,127,532 passengers passed through the airport, making it another month with more than two million travellers.
International flights accounted for the overwhelming majority of this traffic.
International passengers:
- 1,888,158 travellers
- 12% increase compared with September 2025
Domestic passengers:
- 235,923 travellers
- 7.1% increase year on year
International passengers therefore represented approximately 88.7% of the airport’s September passenger traffic.
This clearly demonstrates how dependent Alicante Airport is on international tourism and how important overseas connections are to the Costa Blanca economy.
The figures also suggest that Alicante is attracting more than just traditional summer holidaymakers. September remains a popular month for visitors looking for warm weather, quieter beaches and more comfortable temperatures.
The United Kingdom Remains Alicante Airport’s Biggest International Market
There is little surprise in the leading position of the United Kingdom.
British travellers continue to represent the airport’s most important international passenger market.
During September 2026, the leading international markets were:
| Country | September passengers |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Approximately 700,000 |
| Germany | Approximately 141,000 |
| Netherlands | Approximately 119,000 |
| Poland | Approximately 117,000 |
The British market is particularly important for destinations such as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, where international visitors play a major role in the local tourism and property sectors.
Germany and the Netherlands also remain important source markets, while Poland’s growing presence is another interesting development.
The strong international passenger figures underline the importance of maintaining and expanding connections with European cities.
For visitors travelling to the Costa Blanca, this means more opportunities to reach the region directly without having to connect through Madrid, Barcelona or other major airports.
Why Alicante Airport Is Becoming Increasingly Important for the Costa Blanca
Alicante Airport is much more than a transport hub.
It is one of the main economic gateways for the entire Costa Blanca region.
Millions of visitors use the airport every year to reach their holiday accommodation, second homes, family residences and businesses.
Its performance has a direct impact on several sectors:
Tourism and hospitality
Hotels, holiday apartments, restaurants, bars and attractions all benefit from the steady flow of international visitors.
Property and second-home owners
The airport’s extensive international connections make Alicante and the surrounding coastal towns attractive destinations for foreign property owners who regularly travel between Spain and their home countries.
Car rental and local transport
The growing number of arriving passengers creates demand for rental vehicles, taxis, airport transfers and public transport connections.
Local employment
Airport operations, airlines, ground handling companies, tourism businesses and related services all depend on passenger activity.
The airport’s growth is therefore not simply an aviation statistic. It is an important indicator of the wider economic activity taking place across the Costa Blanca.
Alicante Airport’s Expansion Plans: Why More Capacity Is Needed
The latest passenger figures also raise an important question: how will Alicante Airport accommodate continued growth?
In an earlier article, AlicanteSpot reported on the planned €868 million investment programme for Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport covering the 2027–2031 period.
The proposed developments include a major expansion of the terminal, improvements to passenger facilities and upgrades to airport infrastructure.
The objective is to prepare the airport for increasing passenger demand and improve the overall experience for travellers.
The expansion plans are particularly relevant when viewed alongside the latest traffic figures.
With almost 16.9 million passengers already recorded by the end of September 2026, the airport is experiencing substantial growth.
Aena’s long-term investment programme is therefore an important part of the discussion about the future of the Costa Blanca’s main international airport.
You can read our earlier report here:
Alicante Airport Expansion: €868 Million Investment Planned for 2027–2031
Will Alicante Airport Break Another Annual Passenger Record in 2026?
The latest figures suggest that 2026 could become another record-breaking year for Alicante Airport.
By the end of September, the airport had already handled almost 16.9 million passengers.
With three months remaining, the final annual result will depend on how passenger demand develops during the autumn and winter seasons.
December, in particular, is an interesting month to watch. Christmas travel, visits to family and the growing popularity of winter stays on the Costa Blanca all contribute to passenger traffic outside the traditional summer season.
Aena’s figures also show that September alone brought more than 2.1 million passengers, demonstrating that the airport remains busy well beyond August.
The growing popularity of year-round travel is particularly important for the Costa Blanca, where tourism has traditionally been strongly associated with the summer months.
If the current growth trend continues, Alicante Airport could finish 2026 with another impressive annual passenger total.
What These Numbers Mean for Travellers Visiting Alicante
For holidaymakers planning a trip to the Costa Blanca, the airport’s growth is generally positive news.
More passenger demand can encourage airlines to maintain existing routes, introduce additional services and consider new destinations.
However, increased traffic can also mean busier terminals, longer queues during peak periods and greater pressure on airport transport facilities.
Travellers should therefore consider allowing sufficient time for check-in, security procedures and car rental collection, particularly during busy holiday periods.
For the latest flight information, arrivals and departures, passengers can consult the official Aena Alicante Airport website.
Final Thoughts
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is continuing to strengthen its position as one of Spain’s most important international gateways.
With 16,867,055 passengers recorded between January and September 2026, passenger traffic has increased by 10.1% compared with the previous year.
The strong performance of international routes, particularly from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, demonstrates the continued popularity of the Costa Blanca among European travellers.
At the same time, the latest figures highlight why investment in airport infrastructure is becoming increasingly important.
Alicante Airport is no longer simply handling the summer holiday rush. It is becoming an increasingly important year-round gateway for tourism, property owners, business travellers and residents.
The next few months will reveal whether 2026 becomes another record-breaking year for the airport.
One thing is already clear: the Costa Blanca continues to attract more and more international visitors.
