A surge in visitor numbers at a Spanish airport in Costa Blanca defies concerns about deserted towns and declining tourism in Spain. Alicante-Elche Airport achieved a new milestone with its tenth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger figures, nearing last year’s total with several weeks left in 2025.
October saw the airport welcome 1.9 million passengers, marking a 5.9% increase from the previous year. British travelers accounted for a significant portion, with 631,771 British passengers passing through, representing over a third of the total traffic. Following behind were Germany with 129,127 passengers and the Netherlands with 118,996.
The airport has already serviced 17.2 million passengers in 2025, and projections suggest it may hit the 20 million mark by year-end. Notably, October saw a 6.1% rise in flights compared to the previous year. The uptick in traffic could be attributed to the introduction of new routes to Alicante, including connections from various cities announced by Ryanair.
Ryanair has also expanded its winter 2025 schedule, increasing flights on 29 existing routes to Alicante to cater to the destination’s popularity during colder months. The airport’s accessibility from the UK, serviced by budget airlines like easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, and Wizz Air, has contributed to its appeal.
Alicante-Elche Airport, ranking as the fifth busiest in Spain and the largest in the Valencian Community, is sought after by British tourists due to its proximity to Benidorm. The short 45-minute bus ride from the airport to Benidorm adds to its allure. Additionally, the airport’s proximity to Alicante city center, known for its cultural sites and beautiful beaches, enhances its attractiveness to visitors.
The positive tourism figures contradict previous concerns about a decrease in Spanish holidaymakers due to anti-tourism protests. While certain regions experienced protests, Alicante and its surroundings have managed to retain and attract tourists. Benidorm has also implemented strict measures to maintain order, including bans on nighttime swimming and leaving belongings unattended on the beach, with fines imposed for violations.
The airport’s success signals a thriving tourism industry in the Costa Blanca region, emphasizing its enduring appeal to travelers from various countries.