Alicante Airport Information
Alicante Airport information - Originally named El Altet now know as Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, is the fifth-busiest airport in Spain based on passenger numbers, and the main airport serving the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia.
News and information
6th July 2023 - The 24 hour bus connection between Alicante airport and the city of Alicante itself has finally been re established, after its covid caused suspension in 2020. After demands from the airport and users, the night bus will start running at 23,20, and continue through the night at hourly intervals. up to 06.20, when the service will be reverting to every 20 minutes, until 22,20. The cost of the transport from the airport to the city (or vice versa) will be just 3.85€, and a "book" of 10 trips will cost just 20€.
January 2023 - Alicante-Elche Airport is voted in 66th place among the best airports in the world in the Airhelp ranking of 2022.
The terminal loses five places compared to 2019 but stands out in comfort and treatment of travellers, it lost points for not having direct rail links and .due to the break it suffered due to covid.
The airport obtained an overall score of 7.57 points; with a 7.49 in punctuality, 7.60 in customer rating and 7.81 in leisure spaces such as shops and restaurants, and holds fifth place in Spain for its attention to passengers.
January 2021 - New filter for British passengers who do not need a visa
Alicante-Elche Airport has enabled a special filter in the arrivals hall to cater for all the movement of passengers arriving every year in Alicante from Britain. UK passports will be 'stamped' showing entry & exit dates.
- British citizens will be able to come visa-free to Spain, as well as to any country in the Schengen zone, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Check your holidays fall within these restrictions by using the Schengen Visa Calculator here.
British residents in the EU are illegally having their passports stamped by border patrol on entry. If you are a resident your passport should NOT be stamped.
The main issue is that a passport stamp means, in theory at least, that the person has entered the Schengen area as a visitor not as a resident, so setting off the 90 day clock, so there could be issues down the line, in April, when they get to the end of the permitted period for visitors.
Alicante Airport Information
3rd November 2020
Alicante airport to carry the name of Miguel Hernández...He was a local poet, and the decision was agreed to celebrate the 110th anniversary of his birth.
The name change was approved on 30th October by the government as part of the celebration of the 110th anniversary of the birth of the poet. formalities have begun to carry out the new name by which the terminal of El Altet would be renamed Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández
Miguel Hernández was born on October 30th, 1910 in Orihuela and died on March 28, 1942
Smoking terrace and viewing platform updates
The airport of Alicante-Elche now has a terrace which can be used by smokers, the terrace has “privileged” views to the aircraft parking platform and the runway to watch take offs and landings. This is situated at the Budweiser Bar.
Alicante Airport information
Duty-Free Location and Opening Times
Main Duty-Free shop - The main duty-free area is on the second floor of the departures area after security, so naturally, only passengers can use it. The opening times are from 07:00 to 22:00 from Monday to Sunday.
Express Duty-Free- Closer to the departure gates, there is a further “Express” duty-free store. This is smaller than the main shop but stocks many of the essential items. Opening times are from 04:00 to 00:00 Monday to Sunday.
Arrivals Duty-Free - An additional duty-free shop can be found in the arrivals area on level 0, after Baggage Reclaim. This allows you to stock up on supplies at the beginning of your trip. The opening times vary, depending on flight schedules.
Places to eat and drink at Alicante Airport
There are plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants at Alicante Airport. Whether you just need a quick coffee before your flight or whether you have time for a sit-down meal, you will be sure to find something to your liking.
Arrivals – public zone
If you are hungry from your flight and need some sustenance before your onward journey, you can choose from the following options in the arrivals area on the ground floor of the airport.
Deli&Cia - Here you will find a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, seasonal cream soups, snacks, and desserts that can be eaten anywhere. A great selection of cold drinks is also on offer. OPEN 24 H
Lavazza - A variety of different coffees and a wide range of little indulgences for any time of day.
Departures – public zone
If you need a quick bite or a coffee before going through security, you have the following options.
Tim Hortons - This café, which is part of a Canadian chain founded in 1964 by the legendary hockey player Tim Horton, can be found on level 2 in the public departures area. Here you will find different types of fresh coffee, sandwiches, and a wide variety of baked goods.
Burger King - Located on level 3, this is a great option for fast-food lovers.
Ritazza - Located in the exterior area of level 2. Delicious coffee + a wide range of hot and cold dishes and freshly baked pastries.
Departures – airside (after security)
Most of the cafés, bars, and restaurants in the passenger-only zone at Alicante Airport can be found on level 2.
Burger King
EAT - Part of a UK healthy fast-food chain offering fresh, healthy, and tasty fast food to take away.
Enrique Tomás Experience - Traditional Spanish flavours: a selection of meats, salads, and gourmet sandwiches for a delicious treat.
Exki - The restaurant uses seasonal produce from carefully selected farmers, served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Food Market - A selection of different culinary options from several food stalls, including Asian foods, grilled meats and Italian dishes.
La Tagliatella - Italian food, including pizza, pasta, salads, risottos, and gratins.
Subway - Filled rolls freshly prepared to the customer’s liking with different types of freshly baked gourmet bread, salads, breakfasts, and desserts with delicious cookies and muffins.
Alicante Airport information
Häagen-Dazs - Häagen-Dazs ice cream is made from natural ingredients: fresh cream, skimmed milk, and egg yolk, with no artificial flavours or colours.
Costa Blanca VIP Lounge - Enjoy some food and drink in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. You will need to pay an entry fee at the door to gain access. Alternatively, you can book lounge access in advance, which is cheaper than paying at the door. See here for more information.
Level 2 – Cafés
Costa Coffee - Coffees, soft drinks and teas, accompanied by muffins, croissants, biscuits or cakes. OPEN 24 H
Starbucks - A selection of fresh coffees, high-quality teas, refined pastries, and other delicious options.
Level 2 – Bars
Budweiser - Classic bar setting in the boarding area with access to the outdoor terrace, offering beers of different origins. Smoking is permitted on the terrace. Hours may vary but generally open from 07:00 until 22:00.
Orenes - Sports bar, betting shop and games arcade with a variety of gaming machines, a sports betting terminal and a bar area.
Level 3
Santa Gloria - Artisanal cakes and pastries, bread and desserts served on shared tables in a welcoming atmosphere.
Other shops available at Alicante Airport
Public Zone – Arrivals Level 0
Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical items and cosmetics - Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Public Zone – Departures Level 0 – exterior area
Tobacconist - Cigarettes, cigars and smoking accessories - Opening times: 9:00 am to 8.00 pm
Level 2
PV21 - Luggage and travel accessories - Opening times: Monday to Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WH Smith - Newspapers and magazines + rolls, chocolate, snacks and drinks - Opening times: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 3:50 pm. Saturdays + Sundays 6:00 am to 1:50 pm
Airside – Departures
The following shops can be found once you have cleared security.
Level 2
Fashion and beauty
Desigual - Fashion with personality and character - Opening times: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Natura - Bazaar with a wide choice of items from different parts of the world, such as clothing, fashion accessories, music, books and gifts - Opening times: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Parfois - Women’s fashion and accessories - Opening times: 07:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m.
Sunglass Hut - Designer and high-quality sunglasses - Opening times: 06:00 am to 8:00 pm
The Fashion Place - Popular fashion brands: Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Lacoste and Superdry - Opening times: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Victoria’s Secret - Lingerie and beauty products - Opening times: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Vidal & Vidal - Unique Menorcan Jewellery - Opening times: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Weekend by Max Mara (Boarding area) - Practical and functional fashion - Opening times: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Food and snacks
LOL Sweets - Sweets and snacks - Opening times: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Petra Mora - Delicatessen and top-quality groceries - Opening times: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
News and books
WH Smith - Newspapers and magazines + rolls, chocolate, snacks and drinks - Opening times: Mondays to Fridays, 06:00 am to 9:00 pm; Saturdays + Sundays 07:00 am to 9:00 pm
Electronics and travel accessories
InMotion - A wide range of items related to music and electronics, as well as accessories for travellers. Opening times: 9.30 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
Fragrances
Rituals - Wonderful fragrances for body and home - Opening times: 07:00am to 10:00pm
Gifts and souvenirs
Lolly - A wide variety of toys and gifts for children. - Opening times: 6am to 10pm
Thinking Alicante - A wide range of products typical for the Alicante region - Opening times: 7am to 10pm
Meetings have been held this week with airports authority AENA. More ...