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Is a 45 min layover in Alicante long enough?

ALC · Alicante · Alicante, Spain
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at ALC (Alicante) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Workable for Schengen-to-non-Schengen only if passport control isn't backed up.
Quick Stats
Concourses
1
Max Transit
15m
Avg. Security
15m
Primary Hub
—
Minimum Connection Times
Schengen → Schengen
30min
✓
Schengen → Non-Schengen
45min
tight
Non-Schengen → Schengen
45min
tight
Non-Schengen → Non-Schengen
60min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 45 min Connections
Since ALC is not a true transfer hub, most itineraries requiring a connection here involve separate tickets, so build in extra buffer for baggage reclaim and re-check-in.
If your connection involves a switch between Schengen and non-Schengen flights (e.g., a UK or Morocco service), expect a full passport control and possible security re-screening.
Summer months bring heavy charter and low-cost traffic in mid-morning and early evening waves, so peak-hour queues at security and passport control can be longer than the terminal size suggests.
The terminal is compact, so once through security you're generally close to all gates, minimizing walking time compared to larger hub airports.
Confirm whether your two flights are on a single ticket, as ALC has limited through-check facilities for separate-ticket itineraries.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
ALC has one terminal building split into Schengen and non-Schengen zones, connected by a short walk through a shared central area. There are no trains or shuttles required, but passengers switching between Schengen and non-Schengen flights must pass through passport control and, in many cases, a security re-screening point, adding to the otherwise short walking transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Alicante (ALC)?

Workable for Schengen-to-non-Schengen only if passport control isn't backed up.

What is the minimum connection time at ALC?

Minimum connection times at Alicante: Schengen-to-Schengen is 30 minutes, Non-Schengen-to-Non-Schengen is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at ALC on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Alicante. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. ALC has one terminal building split into Schengen and non-Schengen zones, connected by a short walk through a shared central area. There are no trains or shuttles required, but passengers switching between Schengen and non-Schengen flights must pass through passport control and, in many cases, a security re-screening point, adding to the otherwise short walking transfer.

How much time do I need for a layover at ALC?

We recommend at least 35 minutes for a comfortable connection at Alicante. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 15 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 15 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at ALC?

If you miss a connection at ALC, head to your airline's check-in or ticket desk in the main terminal, as there are no dedicated transfer desks; low-cost carriers may require rebooking via their app or a service fee at the counter.

Other Layover Durations at ALC
25 min30 min35 min40 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
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