Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport, Spain's fifth busiest, has unveiled a £984 million expansion plan that includes a new terminal dedicated to non-Schengen traffic, aiming to reduce entry-exit system (EES) queues for British travellers. The project, named DORA 3 and overseen by Spanish airport operator Aena, will increase the airport's surface area by 30% and add new boarding gates, retail areas, and a VIP lounge.
Brits-Only Terminal to Streamline Border Control
The new terminal will feature its own centralised border control, specifically designed to process passengers from non-Schengen countries, including the UK. Since EES was introduced on April 10, long queues have been reported across European airports, with British holidaymakers experiencing delays. The dedicated terminal aims to alleviate these bottlenecks for Brits, who account for one in three passengers at Alicante-Elche.
Passenger Growth and Investment Details
Alicante-Elche processed 19.9 million passengers in 2025, with projections showing 11.7% growth over the next five years, potentially reaching 22.3 million passengers. The expansion will also include a state-of-the-art security checkpoint allowing liquids and electronics to remain in hand luggage. From 2027 to 2031, €453 million (about £386 million) will be spent, with total investment reaching €1.15 billion (around £984 million) and completion expected by 2036.
Funding and Passenger Charges
Part of the funding will come from increased passenger charges, with a proposed rise of €0.35 (about £0.30) per passenger. Currently, passengers flying from Alicante to a non-EEA airport pay €14.29 in airport and regulatory charges, typically bundled into the ticket price.
Ryanair Questions Readiness
Ryanair has called for EES to be delayed until September, listing Alicante among airports with "insufficient staff, kiosks and system readiness," alongside Tenerife South, Palma, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, and Paris Beauvais. The expansion proposal will be reviewed by Spain's Council of Ministers, with a decision expected by September 30.
