Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2059 • 19 - 25 Dec 2024
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ILMAINEN
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Alicante on the rise
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ALICANTE has confirmed its position as the 10th most populated city in Spain, with 358,720 residents according to the latest official population figures. This represents a growth of 9,438 people compared to the 2023 figure of 349,282 residents. With this increase, Alicante has surpassed Bilbao, which now has 348,089 inhabitants, positioning Alicante ahead in 10th place. The city remains above Bilbao, following Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which holds the ninth spot with 380,436 registered inhabitants. Alicante’s population growth has been steady, mirroring the increase seen in 2023 when it recorded 349,282 residents. In 2022, the city had 338,577 inhabitants, marking over 20,000 additional residents in just two years. Mayor Luis Barcala reinforced predictions that the population could surpass 500,000 by 2050, underscoring the city’s sustained development. Since 2017, Alicante has experienced steady population growth, increasing
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from 329,988 residents to 358,720 in 2024. This growth reflects the city’s growing appeal as a key Mediterranean destination in Europe, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live and invest. Complementing the city’s demographic expansion, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport reported significant
growth in November 2024, handling 1,279,116 passengers, marking a substantial 19.6 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2023. This surge in passenger numbers positions Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández as one of the fastest-growing airports in Spain. Aircraft operations also increased by 23
per cent, with 8,566 movements, reflecting the highest growth rate among major airports in the country. Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández’s record-breaking performance contributed to the Aena network’s overall achievements, as November 2024 saw new passenger traffic records set at 21 airports, including Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández. The airport’s role as a cargo hub further strengthens its importance. Cumulatively, up to November 2024, the airport handled 13,738,245 passengers, representing a 14.3 per cent increase over the same period in 2023. Aircraft movements totalled 83,276, reflecting a 10.2 per cent rise, while freight carried reached 51,528 tonnes, representing an 18.7 per cent increase yearover-year. Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport continues to play a crucial role in regional connectivity, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a key player in Spain’s growing aviation network.
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