ALICANTE AIRPORT (ALC) INFORMATION

Alicante Airport is one of the many airports in Spain operated by Aena, and is situated approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) to the southwest of Alicante, and 10 km (6.2 miles) east of Elche. Also positioned in the municipality of Elche, on the Mediterranean coast, the destination is the main gateway for the Region of Murcia. Its official code is ALC, and its ICAO code is listed as LEAL.

Please find below GPS coordinates for Alicante Airport which may help you in your arrival or departure. The Coordinates are 38.28222, -0.55806 which you can enter into your Smartphone or in-car GPS. The airport is a base for many popular low-cost airline carriers, and although it is a smaller destination compared to Malaga, millions of passengers make use of its services each year.

Alicante Airport is currently ranked as the fifth busiest in Spain in terms of passenger numbers. In 2018, 13,980,320 passengers were recorded to have passed through the destination, and 96,734 flight operations and 4,013 tonnes of cargo were noted. This airport of reasonable size is the busiest in the Valencia Community, and the 50th busiest in Europe. At the end of each year, Alicante has shown an increase in its passenger numbers, with the exception of between the years 2008 and 2009. In the year 2000, just over six million passengers made use of the airport, and this number increased to over seven million by 2002. By 2006, the airport almost surpassed the nine million mark, which was then reached by the end of 2008. Although passenger numbers dropped slightly in 2009, the airport still handled over nine million passengers during this time.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Alicante Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Alicante Airport
• See live flight departures information at Alicante Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Alicante Airport

The Airport handles mainly international flights, since international flights account for approximately eighty percent of the aircraft movement at the airport. International passengers are predominantly from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. However, there are also many popular local destinations reached from Alicante Airport, such as Madrid, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. The aircraft carrier of Ryanair handles the largest number of destinations from Alicante, with 59 in total. This airport is the fourth largest base for Ryanair, which is a very popular low-cost airline operator. Over two million passengers made use of their services in 2009, flying to areas such as Liverpool, Gothenburg-City, Birmingham, Hahn, Bologna, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted, Seville, Dublin, Glasgow-Prestwick and many more. Another major low-cost airline in operation at the location is Easyjet, with just more than a million passengers per year, and destinations such as Belfast-International, Glasgow-International, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne. The third largest airline carrier is Air Berlin, handling almost 700,000 passengers per year. Other airline companies found at ALC include Aer Lingus, Air Europa, Bmibaby, Flybe, Transavia, Vueling, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

Alicante Airport was originally named as El Altet, and began its operations in early May, 1967. El Altet was built to replace the older aerodrome La Rabassa, which was used since 1936. At this point in time the airport comprised of a 2,700 meter long runway, and one large passenger terminal. Convair Metropolitan landed the first commercial flight at El Altet Airport, while later on regular connections were made by Aviaco Iberia with Madrid and Barcelona. The airport was an instant success, and passenger numbers increased steadily, reaching over one million by the early 1970's. The higher number of passengers also led to the construction of a new passenger terminal, as well as extensions to the runway in the later 1970's. The runway was extended to a total of three kilometers. Further improvements were made to the airport during the 1990's, including new check-in areas, car parks, a better exit road and larger apron areas. More recently, in 2009, the airport received a new passenger terminal to facilitate its operations and the ever increasing number of passengers.

There is wide range of car rental companies at Alicante Airport, public transport in the form of buses and trains, as well as a taxi rank at the airport.

Alicante Airport has all the necessary amenities to meet the needs of its arriving and departing passengers. Although it is a smaller airport, it has an excellent range of shops, which offer a wide variety of goods for sale. For example, there are tobacconists, newsagents, jewelry, music, gift and sports outlets available. Passengers will also find numerous bars, cafes and restaurants for refreshments of all kinds. In terms of banking, there are currency exchange facilities and cash machines available, as well as a post office. Business class passengers can enjoy the services of the VIP Lounge located in Departures on the upper floor, such as internet access, fax and photocopying services. Further conference and business facilities can be found at the Holiday Inn Alicante-Playa de San Juan. The airport is also fully equipped for the comfort of disabled passengers, with wheelchair-friendly toilets and telephones, lifts, ramps and dedicated disabled parking areas. Further information is available from the Aena information desks located in the check-in area and departure area, and the Valencia Tourism Agency is found on the ground floor.

Hotels near Alicante Airport

There are a number of hotels to suit all budgets and requirements at or near Alicante Airport.

Parking at Alicante Airport

See options for parking services at Alicante Airport.

Additional Services and Amenities at Alicante Airport

At Alicante Airport you will find the usual array of bars and restaurants, airport lounges and shops.

• See all bars and restaurants inside Alicante Airport
• See and book airport lounges at Alicante Airport
• Plan your shopping in advance - see all the shops (including duty-free) at Alicante Airport

Things to do in Alicante

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Alicante, Spain