The idea of launching a direct airline connection to the United States is gaining traction, signaling a potential new chapter for the region. In a display of regional rivalry, Valencia and Alicante remain at the center of attention as both communities weigh the benefits and risks of expanding routes to North America. With growing American interest in European real estate, investors eyeing the North American market have pushed forward plans that could reshape air access for the Valencian Community. Opponents worry that Manises Airport could be favored again for transatlantic traffic, sidelining broader regional interests, and tensions have already surfaced as a result.
Concerns rose after a crisis briefings and promotional efforts by the Generalitat Tourism Department and the Community Chambers Council. A delegation prepared for a mission to New York—scheduled for late March—sparking debate about how the new link might affect Alicante and the surrounding province. Local business groups perceived the trip as a potential boost for Valencia at Alicante’s expense, prompting leaders to question the mission’s motives. One prominent Alicante chamber president chose not to participate, arguing that the move would primarily benefit neighboring Valencia rather than the Alicante region.
In the public-facing account, leaders like Jesualdo Ros, secretary of Provia, emphasized that no definitive linkage or formal ties had been announced. Provia stressed that the aim is to promote the Valencia community as a whole, rather than to advance any single airport. Yet business communities in Alicante sense a warning bell—expert analysis and stakeholder interviews suggest it is unlikely that separate direct lines will be established for both airports in the near term, underscoring the delicate balance between regional interests and external market opportunities.
Ros underscored that betting on a repeated Valencia-to-New York route could be a misstep, especially given past challenges with similar services. He pointed to experiences from the earlier attempt and urged caution about moves that appear to favor the cap i casal tourism board, Visit València. At the same time, Alicante is focusing on residential tourism to attract new buyers and on strengthening air links via El Altet to connect with European markets. Enhancing connectivity is viewed as a path to attracting U.S. teleworkers who want close access to major European hubs.
Thus the market debate broadens into a larger real estate dynamic, where the Alicante real estate sector and broader tourism industry look to the Costa Blanca as a destination with enduring appeal. The regional leadership depends on the County Council to facilitate a direct North American connection. In fact, their boards are preparing for a major airline fair in May with the aim of meeting North American carriers and negotiating routes that could eventually anchor the destination more firmly on the U.S. market. A related objective is to position Alicante as a robust cruise base, leveraging synergies with other popular gateways such as Palma de Mallorca and Málaga, as per the director Jose Mancebo.
Regional tourism officials are actively navigating the delicate balance between competition and cooperation. Francesc Colomer, the regional tourism secretary, acknowledged the organizers’ concerns while clarifying that the New York visit is intended to signal exploration rather than to announce concrete arrangements. The goal remains to assemble a strong business delegation from Alicante and other parts of the Valencian Community to test interest, assess market viability, and determine the best airport for potential future connections. The next steps hinge on market demand first, with decisions about specific routes and hubs to follow. The overarching message is clear: a direct link to the United States is not imminent, but the groundwork is being laid to evaluate its feasibility in a measured, strategic way for the entire Valencian Community.[citation: Regional Tourism Secretariat, Frances Colomer]