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Alicante Airport Faces £985M Expansion for Border Control
16 Jul
Summary
- Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport to undergo a five-year expansion.
- A new terminal will focus on streamlining entry-exit system border checks.
- The project is part of Dora 3 and includes increased boarding gates.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport is slated for a significant £985 million expansion, scheduled to take place over five years between 2027 and 2031. This extensive upgrade is part of the Dora 3 initiative by Spanish airport operator Aena.
A key feature of this expansion is the construction of a new terminal specifically for non-Schengen traffic. This new facility will centralize border control and implement the entry-exit system (EES), aiming to reduce lengthy queues for travelers, particularly in anticipation of high passenger volumes.
The project also includes increasing the number of boarding gates, enhancing passenger access via walkways, and developing new retail spaces and a VIP lounge. Car park facilities are also set for expansion. The DORA 3 proposal is currently awaiting approval from the Spanish Government's Council of Ministers by September 30.
In March 2026, Alicante airport welcomed over 1.6 million travelers, with 536,966 being British. The EES, a digital system for non-EU nationals entering or exiting the Schengen area, was fully implemented on April 10.
