SPAIN TRAVEL ALERT: Ryanair Joins Jet2, EasyJet, and Vueling in Facing Disruptions from Alicante-Elche Airport’s March Night Closures

SPAIN TRAVEL ALERT: Ryanair Joins Jet2, EasyJet, and Vueling in Facing Disruptions from Alicante-Elche Airport’s March Night Closures

SPAIN TRAVEL ALERT: Ryanair Joins Jet2, EasyJet, and Vueling in Facing Disruptions from Alicante-Elche Airport’s March Night Closures

Image: Alicante-Elche Airport

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) in Spain is set to undergo significant upgrades throughout March 2026, leading to scheduled night-time closures between 00:00 and 05:59 CET. The closures, lasting from March 2 to March 29, will affect late-night arrivals and early-morning departures but will not interfere with daytime flights. These upgrades are part of a larger €15.7 million project aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure to accommodate future demand. The planned work is essential for improving aircraft maneuverability, safety, and increasing the airport’s overall capacity.

What Is the Scope of the Closure?

The scheduled closure of Alicante-Elche Airport will occur from 00:00 to 05:59 CET between March 2 and March 29, 2026. These temporary closures have been pre-coordinated with airlines to ensure minimal disruptions for passengers. While flights during the day will operate normally, late-night and early-morning services will be affected. Aena, the Spanish airport authority, has confirmed that airlines have already adjusted their schedules, moving most affected flights outside of this time window.

This phase of the upgrade focuses on building a new taxiway, resurfacing existing taxiways, and improving the threshold area of Runway 10 to meet updated international safety standards. The work will help to increase the airport’s capacity and reduce delays, ultimately improving the overall passenger experience at Alicante-Elche Airport.

Why Is This Upgrade Important?

The €15.7 million upgrade is a key part of a larger infrastructure project to enhance the airport’s operational capacity. As one of the busiest airports in Spain, Alicante-Elche has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, making these upgrades critical for managing growth and maintaining safety. With a growing demand for flights, particularly from international travelers, the construction of a new taxiway will improve aircraft turnaround times, while the resurfacing of taxiways will ensure the long-term structural integrity of the airfield.

Moreover, the threshold 10 improvements aim to modernize lighting and surface leveling systems, ensuring that the airport remains compliant with the latest international aviation standards. These upgrades will also contribute to the airport’s ability to handle more flights per hour, increasing the efficiency of operations.

How Is the Upgrade Being Funded?

The upgrades are being funded as part of a larger, multi-year DORA III project, which spans from 2027 to 2031 and is backed by €850 million of investment for the broader expansion of Alicante-Elche Airport. The current project is part of DORA II, with investments aimed at both expanding the airport’s terminal capacity and improving safety features. The €15.7 million allocated for the runway and airfield improvements will contribute to ensuring that the airport remains competitive and efficient in handling the growing number of passengers and flights.

The broader DORA III project will also see the demolition of Terminal 1 to make space for a new boarding pier and the modernization of baggage handling and security systems. With an expected increase to 26 million annual passengers, these developments aim to meet future aviation demand and improve the overall passenger experience.

What Flights Are Affected?

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Image: easyJet

The March 2026 closure will have a limited impact on late-night arrivals and early-morning departures, specifically between the hours of 00:00 and 05:59 CET. Affected flights are mostly from low-cost carriers and include services to destinations in the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Major airlines operating at Alicante-Elche Airport have already adjusted their schedules to avoid flight disruptions. Here’s how the changes are affecting the major carriers:

Ryanair: Several routes, including Glasgow and Warsaw–Modlin, will be resuming on March 29, 2026, aligning with the end of the maintenance period.

Jet2: Instead of reducing services, Jet2 has expanded its capacity for March 2026, adding additional flights from Manchester and London Stansted to Alicante during March 6–23 to accommodate the limited nighttime flight window.

easyJet: The airline is launching its Newcastle base early, with flights scheduled to begin on March 26 and 28, 2026, operating during the daytime hours.

Vueling/Iberia: These airlines are not expected to be significantly impacted, as they rarely operate flights during the night-time hours at Alicante-Elche Airport. Operations for these carriers are expected to run as scheduled.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you are planning to travel through Alicante in March 2026, it is crucial to check your flight status directly with your airline. For most travelers, especially those on daytime flights, there will be no significant disruptions. However, those flying late-night or early-morning flights should confirm any potential schedule changes or delays with their airline.

Aena’s early coordination with airlines means that most passengers will not experience substantial changes, but travelers with flights scheduled during the night-time closure period should be aware of the situation. Passengers traveling from Ryanair and Jet2 should specifically note that several routes will resume or see changes that align with the airport’s maintenance period.

How Can Passengers Stay Updated?

Passengers should keep an eye on the airline apps for the latest flight updates and any schedule changes. If your flight is scheduled during the maintenance period (between 00:00 and 05:59 CET), you should check for any schedule change notifications through the airline’s official channels. For most daytime flights, no changes are expected.

The Bigger Picture: DORA III Project and Future Prospects

The current €15.7 million investment at Alicante-Elche Airport is just one step in a much larger expansion project that will enhance both the infrastructure and capacity of Spain’s major airports. With the DORA III project bringing over €850 million in investments over the next decade, Alicante-Elche will see extensive developments, including terminal expansions, modernized security systems, and new boarding piers.

These changes are vital to ensuring that Alicante-Elche remains a leading gateway for both European and international passengers. The airport’s ability to handle 26 million passengers annually will be critical for sustaining the growing demand for air travel in Spain. As the airport continues to grow, these upgrades will ensure that Alicante-Elche remains equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly globalized travel market.

Final Thoughts

The March 2026 closure at Alicante-Elche Airport represents an essential part of the airport’s growth strategy. While the night-time flight restrictions may cause some temporary inconvenience for passengers, the long-term benefits, including improved capacity and safety, will significantly enhance the overall travel experience. Travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and to check for updates on their flights to avoid any confusion during this temporary disruption. The significant investments being made in Alicante-Elche Airport will ultimately benefit passengers and ensure that it remains one of Spain’s busiest and most modern air travel hubs.

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