Valencia Airport Sets New 2025 Passenger Records as Traffic Surges

(VALENCIA) Valencia Airport (VLC/Manises) is in record territory in 2025, with back-to-back monthly highs and a new all-time peak in July, according to Aena’s published traffic data and industry summaries. After crossing one million passengers for the first time in April, the airport handled 1.10 million in June and a record 1,132,402 passengers in July, all year-on-year gains that point to intense summer demand and tight capacity. Aena’s Spain-wide April release also shows Valencia growing faster than the national network, reflecting how expanded European links are reshaping travel through the region.

In April 2025, Valencia Airport recorded 1,039,789 passengers (+10% vs April 2024)—its first month ever above one million—supported by 8,076 flights (+7% y/y). By the end of April, nearly 3.5 million passengers had used the airport this year, about 400,000 more than at the same point in 2024, a +13% increase tied to added European capacity and seasonal routes. Aena reported 27.28 million passengers across Spain that month, up +6.3% y/y, placing Valencia among the stronger performers in percentage growth.

July then set a new high-water mark. FTN News, citing Aena, reported Valencia handled 1,132,402 passengers (+4.2% vs July 2024)—the airport’s highest monthly total on record. Between those two milestones, CAPA noted the airport reached 1.10 million passengers in June (+8.9% y/y), with aircraft movements up 7.1% and cargo at 1,081 tonnes (+1.5%). The consistent gains confirm what travelers have felt on the ground: fuller flights, busier terminals, and longer queues at peak times.

Record-Breaking Peak and Network Context

The acceleration at Valencia aligns with Europe-wide patterns. ACI Europe’s half-year report released on August 6 showed +4.5% passenger growth in H1 2025 across the continent, driven entirely by international travel (+5.7%). Within the EU+ market, Spain grew about +4.5% in the first half, close to the regional average, while Italy led among large markets at +5.7%.

This backdrop helps explain why Valencia’s gains are concentrated on European city pairs—Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK—where low-cost carriers added seats and frequencies.

Within Spain’s airport network, Valencia ranked behind Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Málaga, Alicante-Elche, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife Sur in April traffic totals. But growth at Valencia outpaced the national average that month, and the airport’s first million-plus April stands out.

Nearby Alicante-Elche also posted a strong summer, reaching around 1.92 million passengers in June (+8.4% y/y) per local reports, a reminder that the wider regional system is busy and facing many of the same bottlenecks.

For industry planners, Aena’s monthly updates form the key source. The company’s April press communication confirmed Valencia’s one-million April milestone and Spain-wide totals. Subsequent tallies, reported by outlets including CAPA and FTN News, show the airport’s upward path into July’s record. ACI Europe’s commentary adds that demand has stayed resilient despite supply pressures and geopolitical tensions—conditions that often strain medium and large airports during summer peaks.

Key takeaway: Valencia’s growth reflects strong international (European) demand and added low-cost capacity, but the surge is testing the airport’s operational limits during peak periods.

Capacity Pressure and Planning Signals

Local coverage has emphasized that Valencia Airport is operating “beyond its official capacity” during 2025 peaks, and July’s record reinforces that message. Busy checkpoints, crowded gate areas, and tight turnaround windows are now common during weekends and holiday waves.

The numbers behind the pressure:
– Higher passenger volumes month-on-month (April, June, July milestones)
– Aircraft movements up (e.g., +7.1% in June)
– Continued cargo growth (1,081 tonnes in June, +1.5%)

Those pressures feed directly into Spain’s next Airport Regulation Document, known as DORA 2027. Sector reports indicate Valencia’s terminal expansion is expected within that cycle, with a provisional combined budget of roughly €400 million for upgrades at Valencia (Manises) and Alicante-Elche. Aena has not yet published detailed scopes or schedules.

Still, sustained throughput at today’s levels strengthens the case for:
– Larger security areas
– More boarding gates
– Airside changes to ease summer crowding and support future airline growth

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, consecutive record months give local and national planners clearer evidence when setting priorities under DORA 2027. For airlines, a predictable plan matters: if terminal and runway resources expand on time, carriers can add seasonal frequency without running into hard slot and stand limits during peak periods.

What Travelers and Airlines Should Expect Next

Travelers
– Arrive earlier than usual during July–September peaks to allow for security and boarding queues observed this summer.
– Build in buffer time for connections within Schengen-area travel, as full flights and congested gates can slow boarding and deplaning.
– Check airline messages closely; carriers may adjust times or gate allocations more often on peak weekends.

Airlines
– Strong demand supports added capacity on European routes, especially leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic.
– Slot and terminal constraints at peaks could limit short-term growth.
– Possible airline responses:
1. Spread flights more evenly across the day.
2. Focus on shoulder periods to find operational space.
3. Adjust schedules seasonally to avoid concentrated congestion.

The broader European frame remains supportive yet delicate. ACI Europe notes growth is currently driven by international travel—exactly where Valencia has added seats. Any late-year shock could slow momentum, but with April, June, and July already standout months, the airport is positioned to set a new annual high in 2025 if current patterns hold.

Policy and Planning Outlook

Policy attention will focus on Aena’s next planning steps. When the DORA 2027 program details emerge, they will signal how quickly terminal, security, and gate areas can be scaled to support:
– Continued low-cost carrier expansion
– Stronger European networks
– Year-round business and leisure traffic that underpin the local economy

Decisions under DORA 2027 affect not only summer holiday peaks but also steady flows that support regional economic activity.

Sources and Further Monitoring

For official figures and monthly updates, travelers and stakeholders should monitor Aena’s press room, which posts network and airport data across Spain. ACI Europe’s periodic traffic reports add the continental lens that helps explain how Valencia fits into the wider recovery and expansion story.

For now, Valencia Airport’s summer story is simple: demand keeps rising, capacity is tight, and Aena’s data shows July’s 1,132,402 passengers setting the pace for the rest of 2025. Ahead.