Alicante’s international airport hub has received a second prestigious global award for the quality and excellence of its COVID-19 measures. In July, the airport was named as one of six operated by Aena in Spain to be recognised with Skytrax’s highest 5-star certification. To determine the recipients of that honour, auditors for the international air transport rating organisation evaluated up to 175 security protocols introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce risk and improve the well-being of passengers and airport workers.
Now, Skytrax has further honoured the international gateway to the Costa Blanca with one of its COVID-19 Airport Excellence Awards. Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (to give it its full new name), Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat are the only three airports in Spain among an elite total of 14 in Europe to receive the award.
It recognises the excellence of COVID-19 health and security protection for passengers, including cleaning procedures, sign-posting, maintenance of social distancing, availability of hand sanitisation gels and the use of face masks.
The three Spanish airports have also received certification as part of the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) program operated by Airports Council International (ACI).
Aena has implemented more than 100 safety, hygiene and sanitary control measures at its airports (including Alicante-Elche), with the aim of providing full protection and health and safety guarantees for passengers and workers. These include comprehensive cleaning and disinfection, ventilation, hydroalcoholic gel dispensers, mandatory use of a mask, protective screens, footprints and bands on the ground to mark safety distances, ample signage, public address system, contactless elements, continuous information for passengers, and entry to terminals only permitted for employees, passengers with a boarding pass, and companions of minors traveling alone and travellers with reduced mobility.
Premier Quality Flag Status for Popular Alicante Beach
Meanwhile, Alicante’s iconic El Postiguet beach has received the city’s first “Q” flag for touristic quality. Granted by the Spanish Quality Institute (ICTE), the flag is recognised both nationally and internationally, and reinforces the Costa Blanca’s premier “Blue Flag” status.
Earlier this year, the release of the annual list of “Blue Flag” beaches and marinas re-confirmed Alicante’s number one position in the national Spanish ranking for provinces, with a total of 89 distinctions for 2021.
Postiguet is conveniently located in the heart of the city, at the foot of the Santa Bárbara Castle. Its palm tree-lined Paseo de Gómiz promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying a refreshing drink in one of the cafeterías along the seafront, there are special play areas for children and sports including beach volleyball, swimmers can enjoy fine golden sands and calm waters, and accessible public toilets are available for the disabled and other people with mobility restrictions.
