- Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport is scheduled for a £985 million expansion project over five years, commencing in 2027 and concluding in 2031.
- A key part of the upgrade involves constructing a new terminal specifically for non-Schengen area traffic, which will include centralised border control to manage queues for the new Entry-Exit System (EES).
- The expansion aims to mitigate potential delays for travellers, including British holidaymakers, following Ryanair's concerns about several European airports' readiness for high passenger volumes.
- Further enhancements will include an increase in boarding gates, new retail spaces, a VIP lounge, and the expansion of car park facilities.
- The EES, a digital register for non-EU nationals entering or exiting the Schengen area, was fully implemented on 10 April, making the airport's planned expansion crucial for managing future passenger flow.
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