Alicante-Elche Airport: Record passenger traffic and increased operational load

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport continues to strengthen its position as a key aviation hub in eastern Spain. According to official reports from operator Aena, approximately 18.63 million passengers passed through the airport between January and November 2025, exceeding the 2024 record and representing growth of approximately 8.5% compared to the previous year. The total number of operations also increased by approximately 8.4% to over 116,900 flights, including international and domestic destinations.

Monthly traffic in November 2025 continued its upward trend, with over 1.4 million passengers, a 10.3% increase compared to the same month the previous year. International flights remain dominant, with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Poland among the main sources of passenger traffic.

Despite record activity, 2025 was also marked by a number of operational challenges that impacted the airport's normal operations and airline flights.

Major Disruptions and Disruptions in 2025

1. Drone Incidents

In October 2025, the airport was temporarily closed for two hours after an unauthorized drone flight was detected in the runway area, leading to a complete suspension of inbound and outbound flights for that period. At least nine flights were diverted to other airports (including Valencia and Murcia), and more than 1,000 passengers experienced delays and reroutes. https://evrimagaci.org/gpt/drone-sighting-forces-shutdown-at-spanish-airport-514225?utm_source=chatgpt.com

This incident highlights the growing risks to aviation security, as drone interference can cause not only delays but also aircraft diversions, disrupting operators' schedules and creating tension in terminals.

2. Flight delays and cancellations due to weather and operational issues.

Throughout 2025, the airport also experienced the peripheral effects of atmospheric phenomena and disruptions to airline operations. In a widespread series of disruptions across Europe, including Spain, hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled, with individual airlines, including Vueling, recording dozens of delays and cancellations affecting flights to and from Alicante. These situations were associated with adverse weather conditions, airspace congestion, and internal operational difficulties at carriers. Travel And Tour World

3. Impact of strikes and industry labor conflicts.

In addition to immediate problems at the airport, Spain experienced prolonged strikes by airline ground staff in 2025, including Ryanair, which could have indirectly impacted flight operations and led to additional delays, especially during peak seasons. murciatoday.com

Overall, 2025 proved to be a very active and largely successful year for Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport in terms of passenger traffic growth and operational dynamics. However, the airport faced increased operational challenges, ranging from weather and technological factors to airspace safety disruptions. These events reflect the difficult balance between growing air traffic and the need to sustainably manage operations in the face of increasing demand.