New passenger statistics have revealed that Alicante’s El Altet Airport saw significant growth during 2007 and is developing into one of Spain’s busiest destinations.

Official data shows that overall passenger levels increased by three per cent at El Altet last year, with the Costa Blanca hub now ranked as the sixth most important airport in the whole of Spain.

According to Costa Blanca News, the expansion of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair has given the airport a significant boost in the last few years, with the Irish carrier recently making Alicante one of its main flight bases.

In addition, the enduring popularity of Costa Blanca resorts among European holidaymakers continues to fuel demand for flights to Alicante, with the airport serving over one million passengers during the peak holiday month of August last year.

Airport officials have predicted that El Altet will continue to go from strength to strength this year, with plans for a new terminal and car park well underway, the website reports.

Work is also progressing on the new airport at Murcia, Round Town News reported last year. The Corvera hub will function in addition to the existing San Javier Airport and is expected to be operational by 2010, improving access to Costa Blanca locations such as Torrevieja and Santa Pola.

Tags: Costa Blanca, Santa Pola, TORREVIEJA