Spain’s fifth largest airport is re-establishing its status as a key gateway for international tourists – especially visitors from the UK. Major low-cost airlines such as Jet2.com, EasyJet and Ryanair are back in the air after the lockdown and easing of travel regulations, and Alicante-Elche Airport is one of the most popular hubs as they bolster their schedules for the rest of summer and beyond.
Jet2.com is one of the main companies leading the way to Alicante – and Costa Blanca hotspots such as Benidorm. The airline (and package holiday specialist) re-launched its 2020 summer programme mid-July with 14 flights from Manchester Airport, including to Alicante, and plans to operate to a total of 41 destinations this summer from “quarantine-free” Manchester Airport.
Announcing its restored schedule, Jet2.com noted, “Alicante is the gateway to the Costa Blanca and the place to be if you’re looking for flights to Benidorm. The theme parks, pubs and clubs of this popular resort make it one of the most-loved destinations in Spain. What’s more, with flights to Alicante, you can discover traditional areas such as scenic Calpe and peaceful Albir too.
“When you book flights to Alicante, you’re unlocking a fantastic selection of classic Spanish destinations. Whether you’re looking for buzzing nightlife or a peaceful retreat, the Costa Blanca region has you covered.
“From here the resort of Benidorm, and the excitement that comes with it, is less than an hour drive away. If relaxation is on the cards, flights to Alicante put you in the perfect place to visit culture-steeped Calpe. Or enjoy seafront-splendour when you lay your towel down in Albir.”
Meanwhile, EasyJet has confirmed it will be flying to an “increasing number” of destinations (among them Alicante) from the UK throughout August.
Flights began operating in June for the first time since the airline grounded its fleet at the end of March in response to COVID-19, and from 1 August the airline plans to resume flying to more summer destinations from the UK, including Spain.
“We are really pleased,” said chief commercial, marketing and planning officer Robert Carey, “to be able to be resuming flights to even more destinations throughout August to get customers away on their much-needed summer holiday this year.
“Of course, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains our highest priority. This is why we have implemented a number of measures enhancing safety at each part of the journey, from disinfecting the aircraft to requiring customers and crew to wear masks.
“These measures will remain in place for as long as is needed to ensure customers and crew are able to fly safely as the world continues to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”
EasyJet flights are on sale up until 30 September next year.
Ryanair resumed its own connections with Alicante-Elche Airport on 1 July, and is offering a wide range of discounts from selected international destinations, including Bristol (UK).
The airline company has also announced it will extend the waiving of flight change fees for all customers who book to travel in September (already in place for new July and August bookings), “allowing them to book their extended summer holidays with peace of mind in case their travel plans change”. From 17 July, customers who book to travel in September will be able to “move their flights with zero change fee to travel until 31 December 2020”.
Announcing the initiative, marketing and digital director Dara Brady said, “In order to provide as much flexibility and confidence as possible for our customers this summer, we have extended the waiving of our flight change fee to new September bookings. As the holiday season will be prolonged this year, customers can now plan a well-deserved break knowing that flights in July, August and now September can be moved without any flight change fee if their travel plans change.”
For live flight information to and from Alicante-Elche Airport, click here.