Valencia and Alicante Airports Take Off with Record January Numbers
Strong tourist growth highlights the region as a year-round destination.
Marián Cano, the Regional Minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism, welcomed the latest figures from AENA on January air traffic, highlighting the continued boom in tourism across the Comunidad Valenciana and cementing its status as a top destination all year round.
According to AENA, both airports hit record passenger numbers for January, confirming the steady growth trend that already saw historic highs in 2025.
Specifically, Valencia Airport welcomed 756,281 passengers in January, up 7% compared to the same month in 2025. The airport also handled 6,257 flights, a 3% increase over January 2025 takeoffs and landings.
Meanwhile, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport recorded 1,106,689 passengers in January, marking a 4.7% year-on-year increase. The airport managed 7,521 flight movements last month, up 5.6% from January 2025.
Cano emphasized that “these numbers reflect the strength of the Valencian tourism sector, the confidence of international markets, and the positive impact of our promotion and diversification strategy.” She also noted that the January growth “shows we’re moving toward a more year-round tourism model, with visitors coming throughout the year, not just during peak season”.
The minister reminded that 2025 closed with record traffic at both airports and urged the national government to speed up expansion plans. She stressed that “Valencia and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airports are strategic for the Comunidad Valenciana’s competitiveness, essential for tourism development, attracting investment, internationalizing our companies, and generating jobs”.
