The Alicante–Elche Airport has earned top honors in Europe for the fourth time in its category, marking a remarkable achievement for its ongoing improvement efforts. This is the second consecutive year to receive the award, following recognitions in 2018 and 2019. Last year it was celebrated for 2022, and now it has been acknowledged again for 2024. The prize arrives amid discussions about expanding the airport to boost capacity, underscoring the institution’s commitment to growth while maintaining service quality. (ACI World)
The International Air Council, known as the International Council of Airports, reported that the Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has been named Best European Airport in the 15–25 million passengers category. The award highlights excellence in service and facilities through the ASQ program, which stands for the Airport Service Quality initiative. (ACI World)
This program recognizes the airport’s drive to continually enhance the passenger experience, with awards reflecting passenger surveys that measure perceived quality across access, facilities, staff friendliness, security, and wait times at security checks. The evaluation process emphasizes how smoothly travelers move through the terminal and how well the airport meets diverse user needs. (ACI World)
The airport’s director, Laura Navarro, notes that receiving the prize affirms the team’s efforts to place the passenger at the center of operations. Installations and services have been adjusted to suit the needs and profiles of travelers who pass through the terminal. Over recent months, a range of measures has been implemented to create a more inclusive, attractive, and surprising travel experience. The aim is to contribute positively to the travel journey while working closely with airlines, airport companies, and tourism authorities and institutions. (ACI World)
Other awarded airports
In total, the International Council of Airports has awarded the Best European Airport to nine facilities within the Aena network. The awards cover different size and passenger brackets, recognizing Barcelona–El Prat as the best for more than 40 million passengers; Palma de Mallorca as the top airport for 25–40 million passengers; Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández in the 15–25 million passengers category; Menorca as the best for 2–5 million passengers; and Almería, Girona–Costa Brava, Reus, Murcia Region International, and El Hierro as Best in their respective brackets for fewer than two million passengers. (ACI World)
The chairman and chief executive of Aena, Maurici Lucena, expressed gratitude for these prizes, saying they reflect the dedication of all Aena teams and motivate continued emphasis on delivering the highest quality service to travelers. (ACI World)
The prize ceremony will take place at the annual ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition, scheduled to be held in Atlanta, USA, from September 23 to 26, 2024. (ACI World)
ASQ program
These recognitions are framed within the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, which highlights the airports’ ongoing efforts to improve both facilities and passenger services. (ACI World)
The ASQ program is a global benchmarking platform in the aviation industry that tests the service level at each airport and compares it with other similar-sized airports around the world. (ACI World)
A network with more than 2,100 member airports
ACI was founded in 1991 to promote collaboration among airports and other aviation partners, including airlines, IATA (International Air Transport Association), and CANSO (International Air Traffic Management Service Providers Organization). Its goal is to support the development of a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport system. (ACI World)
Today, the council consists of 757 members operating 2,109 airports across 191 countries, reflecting a broad, global network that aims to raise industry standards and passenger satisfaction. (ACI World)