Alicante-Elche Airport has strengthened its position as one of Spain’s busiest airports after recording its highest passenger numbers on record while also improving punctuality. The Costa Blanca hub finished last year just short of the 20 million passenger mark, underlining its growing importance as a major European holiday gateway.

Despite handling significantly more traffic, operations have become more efficient. Eurocontrol data shows almost seven out of ten departing flights left within the 15-minute window officially considered on time. On average, the airport managed around 172 departures per day, placing it among Europe’s 50 busiest airports for aircraft movements.

Ground operations have also improved. Average delays linked to baggage handling, refuelling and aircraft turnaround have fallen to about three minutes. Eurocontrol figures indicate Alicante is now outperforming several larger airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, London Gatwick, Paris and Amsterdam in minimising ground delays.

Although around a quarter of departures still face delays of between 15 and 60 minutes, longer disruptions have become less frequent than two years ago. Arrivals are performing particularly well, with many flights landing ahead of schedule, reinforcing the airport’s reputation for efficiency despite record passenger numbers.