EasyJet has opened a new base at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The first flight operated by Alicante-based aircraft and crew took off last Sunday to Glasgow, which is one of 22 routes operated by EasyJet at the airport. Another key route is Newcastle, which was relaunched this week.
Three aircraft of the A320 family have been allocated to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, and the new seasonal base will be operational from March to October.
According to EasyJet, “In addition to the economic boost that this announcement means for Alicante, the new base will allow EasyJet to explore unserved markets and support existing key traffic flows.” EasyJet recently announced 10 new connections from Alicante, bringing its route network to 22 destinations and connecting it with key cities in Europe including Amsterdam, Geneva, Prague and Nantes.
Since the first route between Alicante and London Stansted in 1999, the airline has carried more than 30 million passengers to/from Alicante and has positioned itself as the second airline in terms of international connections. EasyJet will be offering a total of 1.5 million seats (capacity) in Alicante this summer season, an increase of around 10 per cent compared with the same season in 2023.
The Costa Blanca is also among the top 10 favourite destinations of EasyJet Holidays customers, with Manchester, London and Bristol being the main ports of origin.
Nationwide, EasyJet started operations in Spain 28 years ago, and since then the airline has carried more than 220 million passengers to/from the country and has grown to connect Spain with Europe and the U.K. through 218 routes and its current four bases (in Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga and now Alicante).
The Alicante base opening was marked by an event attended by representatives of Aena, EasyJet, and local and regional authorities, as well as the Alicante business community, represented by the Hotel and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community (HOSBEC), the Business Confederation of the Valencian Community (CEV) and the Association of Real Estate Developers of the Province of Alicante (Provia).
Speaking at the inauguration, Toni Pérez, president of the Diputación de Alicante (provincial government) and Costa Blanca Tourist Board, and mayor of Benidorm, said EasyJet establishing a base at the airport “consolidates the Costa Blanca as a preferred destination, both in summer and the rest of the year. EasyJet has shown absolute confidence and commitment to the province of Alicante, aware of the results that the Alicante terminal records year after year, with a record figure of more than 15 million passengers carried in 2023.”
Javier Gándara, EasyJet’s country director for southern Europe, said, “With more than 30 million passengers carried since 1999, Alicante was one of the most popular destinations in our network that did not yet have a base, until now. Opening our fourth base in Spain in Alicante confirms our commitment to this region and is an opportunity to further expand and consolidate our operations in the country.
“The seasonal base model allows us to perfectly adapt to the needs of the market, boosting existing flows and giving us the opportunity to explore unserved markets in the future that would have previously been inaccessible. Today we are particularly excited to be here in Alicante, to celebrate the beginning of our operations from the new base and to introduce EasyJet, its business models and its values to the local community.”
Journey to Alicante
Last November, EasyJet and the Costa Blanca Tourist Board joined forces to launch the “Our journey to Alicante” campaign in collaboration with the city councils of Alicante and Elche.
The official base launch this week coincided with the presentation of an “hoguera” statue, the iconic “bellesa del foc” from Alicante, reflecting a mutual commitment to further promote tourism in Alicante.
The design of the “hoguera”, made by Sergio Gómez, symbolises the arrival of EasyJet’s new base and the airline’s commitment to its local customs and its willingness to promote them throughout Europe. “This is reflected in a plane approaching the city, represented through the Esplanade of Spain and other points of interest on the Costa Blanca.”
The “hoguera” will now be displayed at the Provincial Home in Alicante, a social centre that cares for children and acts as a nursery school, as well as a residence for the elderly and university students.
Relaunch of Newcastle-Alicante Flights
EasyJet’s route between Newcastle and Alicante was relaunched this week, with twice-weekly services scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays until the end of October.
“We’re delighted to be relaunching our route from Newcastle to Alicante,” said U.K. country manager Ali Gayward, “offering even more choice and connectivity to our customers in the North East travelling to Spain’s sunny coast this summer.”
Newcastle International Airport director of aviation development Leon McQuaid said the new service would provide more choice for people wanting to fly to one of the airport’s most popular destinations.
