Old terminal - now abandoned

An ambitious plan has been submitted to AENA to turn the old disused terminal 1 building at El Altet Alicante airport into an outlet shopping centre. The company Alicante "Aerovillage" has support from foreign backers with an estimated investment of 40 million euros and the creation of 650 jobs!

The 2 floors of the terminal building which encompasses 40,000 square metres would be transformed into 109 commercial units which in turn would become shops and restaurants, attracting in the region of 140 brands to the complex. There is even a plan for a leisure zone as the basement would be turned into an indoor karting track with an area also earmarked for a 3D Flight, Formula 1 and Moto GP simulators.

Duty Free shopping in new terminal

The Old Terminal 2 building, which was built as an addition to the old terminal would be used for the private sector to accommodate jets, private transfers, ambulances etc. The old office building which was the link between terminals 1 & 2 would become a 36 room hotel, appealing to passengers and crew on late night arrivals and early morning departures. On site hotels are common at many International airports around the world...

New spacious departures terminal

"Aerovillage" first submitted the proposal to AENA back in September 2011, four months after the new terminal opened but things slowed down after the change of Government and policy. Now things are back on track and a proposal was presented to the City of Elche, which adhered to the Territorial Strategy of the Valencian Community and so looks like it may gain approval. Similar successful projects have been achieved in both Madrid and Barcelona and it will also be a boost to the local housing market as it attracts buyers to the area.

Will the sign also say "Outlet Shopping Centre"?

There is plenty of parking opposite the old terminal , which "hopefully" would be free for visitors to use and the road network already exists - it seems like a great project.  AENA would also benefit by pocketing an annual fee equal to 15% of revenue from the management company, so Im sure they will be all in favour of pushing ahead with the project.