The expansion of Alicante-Elche and Valencia-Manises airports are top priorities for the Valencia region. This has been declared by the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón. He justifies this request based on the impressive tourism figures of 2023
The announcement comes on the heels of the successful campaign for the expansion of the Port of Valencia. This was recently approved following a visit by Minister Óscar Puente to Valencia. Mazón emphasised this new infrastructure request during his address to the executive team of Pedro Sánchez.
Minister’s response at Fitur
During her visit to the Fitur travel fair, Minister Diana Morant pointed out that “there is no one who defends Valencian interests better and more than the Government of Spain. This is demonstrated in our infrastructure policy.” Morant highlighted that every dreamed-up infrastructure project in the Valencian Community is either underway or has secured funding. She criticised Carlos Mazón for opposing Pedro Sánchez’s government and urged him to invest in public health, science, and education with the funds received.
Also read: Three Spanish airports in top ten European airports
Driven by tourist numbers
The record number of tourists in 2023 and the forecasts for 2024 have motivated the head of the Consell to work towards “trying not to die of success”. Thus, at Fitur, he advocated for the need to expand both airport infrastructures. He also suggested enhancing the strategic area of Castellón Airport, which is under the jurisdiction of the Generalitat Valenciana.
Consell’s proposal backed by data
According to the Tourism Councillor, Nuria Montes, the airport expansions are necessitated by their current capacity limits. In 2023, Alicante-Elx airport saw a 19.2% increase in passengers and operations. Additionally, Valencia experienced a 22.6% rise, and Castellón an 89.7% surge.
The success of Alicante airport
The Consell justifies its request based on the impressive tourism figures of 2023. Projections for 2024 show Alicante airport preparing for 54,600 flights, a 12.6% increase, with a 13.1% rise in seating capacity. Alicante will connect with 27 countries and 119 cities. However, as Mazón is set to announce new routes, with potential changes, “We will talk about new routes, new connectivity… as the Alicante airport is the most connected with the United Kingdom,” stated the head of the Consell.
Valencia’s growing air traffic
The forecasts from Turisme Comunitat Valenciana for the Valencia airport also indicate an increase in flights by 7.11% and seats by 6.9%. This airport will connect with 28 countries in 2024. That is one more than the previous year, and a total of 96 cities, one less than last year. Furthermore the airport is aiming for a direct connection with the United States – a country showing high interest in the Valencian Community on social media.
Also read: Spain is the European country with the highest air traffic in 2023
