Alicante-Elche Airport: History, Connections and Life in the Mediterranean.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is one of the most important in Spain, both for its passenger traffic and for its strategic location on the Costa Blanca. With connections to all of Europe and international destinations, it is the gateway for millions of tourists and residents who choose this area of the Mediterranean for its climate, beaches and quality of life.
In this article, we will explore the history of the airport, its expansions over time, the main airlines that operate in it, and the most prominent destinations. In addition, we will talk about how long it takes to get from the airport to nearby towns such as Finestrat, Font del Llop or Guardamar, and we will discover the best corner to see planes take off and land in the Arenales del Sol.
Finally, we will highlight how buying a property in this area allows you to maintain a close bond with family and friends thanks to the excellent air connections. If you are looking for a home in the Mediterranean, SILC ESTATES can help you find the perfect property.
History and Evolution of Alicante-Elche Airport.
Alicante-Elche airport began its journey in 1935, although its real take-off took place in the 60s, with the tourist boom on the Costa Blanca. In its beginnings, it was a small runway that served domestic flights, but with the increase in demand, several expansions were made:
- 1967: A new terminal was built to serve the growing number of passengers.
- 1980-1990: The runways were extended and the facilities to receive international flights were improved.
- 2011: The New Terminal (T1) was inaugurated, one of the most modern in Spain, with a capacity for 20 million passengers per year.
Today, the airport is the fifth busiest in Spain, exceeding 15 million passengers per year before the pandemic, and recovering similar figures in recent years.
Top Airlines and Destinations from Alicante.
Alicante airport is connected to more than 100 destinations in Europe, Africa and America, thanks to regular, low-cost and charter airlines. Some of the most important companies operating here are:
European Airlines.
- Ryanair (Dublin, London, Brussels, Milan, Berlin)
- EasyJet (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Geneva)
- Vueling (Barcelona, Rome, Paris)
- Iberia / Iberia Express (Madrid, Bilbao, Seville)
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich)
- Norwegian (Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm)
- Transavia (Amsterdam, Rotterdam)
International flights.
- Air Algerie (Algiers)
- TUI Fly (Casablanca)
- British Airways (London-Heathrow)
- Swiss (Zurich)
- Royal Air Maroc (Tangier)
Most popular destinations.
According to the airport’s official list, some of the most frequent destinations are:
✅ London (various cities) – more than 50 weekly flights
✅ Amsterdam – daily with KLM and Transavia
✅ Brussels – frequent connections with Ryanair and Brussels Airlines
✅ Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg – important connections to Germany
✅ Paris – daily flights with Air France and Vueling
✅ Madrid and Barcelona – multiple daily flights with Iberia and Vueling
These connections allow residents and tourists to travel with ease, maintaining a constant link with their countries of origin.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Finestrat, Font del Llop or Guardamar?
One of the great attractions of the Costa Blanca is that the airport is well connected to the main residential areas:
📍 Finestrat (near Benidorm): 30-40 minutes by car (AP-7 or N-332).
📍 Font del Llop (Elche): 15-20 minutes (A-7 motorway).
📍 Guardamar del Segura: 25-30 minutes (N-332 or AP-7).
In addition, there are direct buses (ALSA) and taxi or transfer services that facilitate the transfer.
The Best Place to See Planes: Los Arenales del Sol.
If you like aviation, one of the most famous places to see planes take off and land is in Los Arenales del Sol (Elche), near the beach. From this point, located next to the head of runway 10-28, you can observe the planes just a few meters away.
It is a perfect plan for families and fans, especially at dusk, when the sun reflects on the fuselage of the aircraft.
Living in the Mediterranean without Losing Contact with Your Loved Ones.
Many foreigners choose the Costa Blanca to buy a second home or settle permanently. Thanks to Alicante Airport, keeping in touch with family and friends in other countries is very simple, with cheap and frequent flights to major European cities.
Whether you are looking for a house on the seafront, a penthouse with views or a villa with a pool, SILC ESTATES helps you find the perfect property. Contact us now and start your new life in the Mediterranean!
Conclusion:
Alicante-Elche Airport is a key element in the tourist and residential development of the area. With an extensive network of connections, modern infrastructures and proximity to towns such as Finestrat, Guardamar or Elche, it is the ideal gateway for those looking for quality of life, sun and beach without giving up international mobility.
Would you like to live near the airport and enjoy all these advantages? Contact SILC ESTATES and find your home in the Mediterranean. ✈️🌊
