What was the original name of Alicante Airport?

The Mystery of Alicante Airport’s Original Name

Alicante Airport is an important transportation hub in Spain that serves millions of passengers every year. However, many people may not know the original name of this airport. The mystery of Alicante Airport’s original name has intrigued historians and aviation enthusiasts for many years. In this article, we will explore the history of Alicante Airport and uncover the story behind its original name.

A Brief History of Alicante Airport

Alicante Airport, also known as El Altet Airport, is located in the province of Alicante in southern Spain. The airport was officially opened in 1967, although it had been used for military purposes since the 1930s. Today, Alicante Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, serving over 15 million passengers annually.

The Naming Process of Alicante Airport

When Alicante Airport was first built, it needed a name that would reflect its location and purpose. The naming process involved various stakeholders, including local authorities, aviation officials, and government representatives. The goal was to find a name that would be easy to remember and recognizable to both national and international travelers.

The Initial Name of Alicante Airport

The original name of Alicante Airport was "Aeropuerto de El Altet." El Altet is the name of the neighborhood where the airport is located, and the word "aeropuerto" means airport in Spanish. The name El Altet was chosen because it was the most significant neighborhood in the area, and it was also the location of the military airfield that existed there before the airport was built.

The Spanish Civil War and Alicante Airport

During the Spanish Civil War, Alicante Airport played a crucial role as a base for the Republican Air Force. The airport was bombed several times by Nationalist forces, and many of its facilities were destroyed. Despite this, the airport remained operational throughout the war, and it was used to evacuate thousands of refugees to other parts of Spain and abroad.

The Post-Civil War Era and Alicante Airport

After the war, Alicante Airport was rebuilt and expanded to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. The airport became a vital gateway to the Costa Blanca, a popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast. The airport’s facilities were modernized, and new airlines began to operate from the airport, connecting Alicante with other cities in Spain and Europe.

The Renaming of Alicante Airport

In 2011, Alicante Airport was renamed to "Alicante-Elche Airport" to reflect its location between the cities of Alicante and Elche. The renaming was part of a broader strategy to promote the airport and attract more international travelers. The new name was also intended to improve the airport’s visibility and strengthen its identity as a major transportation hub in southern Spain.

The New Name of Alicante Airport

The new name of Alicante Airport, "Alicante-Elche Airport," reflects the airport’s location and its role as a gateway to two important Spanish cities. Alicante is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, cultural attractions, and nightlife, while Elche is a historic town famous for its palm groves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Significance of Alicante Airport’s New Name

The new name of Alicante Airport has helped to raise the airport’s profile and attract more international travelers. The name "Alicante-Elche Airport" is easy to remember and is more recognizable to non-Spanish speakers than the original name. The new name also reflects the airport’s importance as a transportation hub for the entire region.

The Legacy of the Original Name of Alicante Airport

The original name of Alicante Airport, "Aeropuerto de El Altet," is still remembered by many locals and aviation enthusiasts. The name has a historical significance, as it reflects the airport’s origins as a military airfield and its role during the Spanish Civil War. The original name also has a cultural value, as it is closely associated with the neighborhood of El Altet and the people who live there.

Conclusion: The Importance of Historical Naming of Airports

The history of Alicante Airport’s original name is a reminder of the significance of airport names and their role in reflecting the identity and history of a place. The renaming of Alicante Airport to "Alicante-Elche Airport" has helped to promote the airport and attract more visitors, but it has also erased some of its historical and cultural significance. As we continue to build and expand airports around the world, it is essential to remember the importance of historical naming and the role that names play in shaping our understanding of a place.