Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernلndez Airport, located nine kilometres southwest of Alicante and ten kilometres east of Elche, serves as the primary gateway to Spain’s Costa Blanca, handling over 18.3 million passengers in 2024. As the fifth-busiest airport in Spain and a hub for airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, and Norwegian Air Shuttle, it connects travellers to 109 destinations, with 80% of flights serving international routes, particularly from England, Netherlands, and Germany. Its modern Terminal N, opened in 2011 with a capacity for 20 million passengers, offers a streamlined experience for those exploring the region’s beaches and cities.
Accessing the airport is straightforward with multiple transport options. The C6 bus line connects the airport to Alicante’s city centre in about 25 minutes, with services every 20–30 minutes and tickets costing €3.85. Taxis, available 24/7 outside the arrivals area, provide a 15–20 minute ride to the city for €20–30. Car rental agencies like Hertz and Avis operate in the arrivals hall, and parking facilities include short- and long-stay lots near the terminal, with hourly rates starting at €2. Drivers can reach the airport via the N-338 road, though summer traffic may extend travel times. While no direct train service exists, nearby Alicante Terminal and Elche Parque stations, accessible by bus or taxi, offer rail connections across Spain.
The airport’s single Terminal N, spanning 333,500 square metres, is designed for ease of navigation across three levels. The ground floor houses arrivals with 16 baggage claim carousels and car rental counters, while the second floor hosts 96 check-in desks, security checkpoints, and access to 40 boarding gates, including 15 with airbridges. The terminal splits into two areas: the processor with C gates and the dock with B gates, with Schengen flights using both and non-Schengen flights using the dock. Clear signage and information screens guide passengers, though non-Schengen travellers face additional passport control. Security is efficient, but passengers should arrive three hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic ones to account for peak-time queues.
Dining options cater to diverse tastes, with over 20 outlets across the terminal. On the second floor, travellers can enjoy quick meals at Burger King, Costa Coffee, or Subway, or opt for sit-down dining at La Tagliatella for Italian dishes or Enrique Tomلs Experience for Spanish meats and sandwiches. The Food Market on level two offers Asian, Italian, and grilled options. Retail includes a main duty-free shop on the second floor, open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, selling electronics, fashion, and local crafts, alongside an Express Duty-Free near gates and an arrivals shop on level zero. Additional stores like WHSmith, Victoria’s Secret, and a pharmacy provide essentials and gifts.
Facilities enhance passenger comfort, with free Wi-Fi available via the “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” network after registering. The Sala Ifach VIP Lounge on level three offers refreshments, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces for a fee or with business-class tickets. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance. Currency exchange, ATMs, a first-aid point, and 14 defibrillators are distributed throughout, with information desks on the second floor and a mobile service in arrivals during peak times. A children’s play area, meeting rooms, and a smoking terrace at the Budweiser Bar add convenience, though no luggage storage is available.
On-time performance is strong, with most flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule, though the airport’s busiest day in 2016 handled 347 flights, averaging one every three minutes. Delays can occur during peak summer months due to high passenger volumes, particularly at security and check-in, or from low-cost carriers’ strict baggage checks. Weather, such as coastal winds, and occasional technical issues may also affect schedules. Checking flight statuses via airline apps is advised to stay informed.
Connections are efficient within the single terminal, with minimum connection times of 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 45 minutes for international transfers. Passengers on separate tickets should allow two hours for luggage rechecking and customs, especially for non-Schengen flights. The terminal’s design and airbridges simplify transfers, though gate changes, announced only on information screens, require attention. Ryanair’s preference for mobile stairways over airbridges may slow boarding for some flights.
- Aer Lingus flights to Ireland (primarily Dublin and Cork) operate from Terminal 1 at Alicante-Elche Airport. Check-in desks are typically in the main check-in area, with desks allocated in the range of 100–150, but exact numbers vary daily. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available up to 4.5 hours before departure for European flights. Departure Gates are usually in the B or C zones of Terminal 1 (e.g., gates B20–B30 or C40–C50). Specific gate assignments are displayed on airport departure boards closer to the flight time. Alicante is a busy airport, so arrive 90 minutes before departure as recommended by Aer Lingus to clear security and reach the gate.
- Ryanair daily flights to Dublin from Alicante. operate from Terminal 1, with check-in desks typically located in the check-in area on floor P0. Desk numbers vary depending on the airline’s needs; passengers should consult the airport’s information screens. Departure Gates: for flights to Ireland depart from Terminal 1, gates in the B or C concourses (e.g., B20–B35 or C40–C50). Specific gates are assigned closer to departure and displayed on airport screens.
