Benidorm braces for a busy World Cup summer as British visitor numbers set to surge
An 18% rise in UK flights to Alicante has prompted the city to launch a special security operation for the tournament, with England and Scotland matches getting particular attention
The 2026 World Cup kicks off this evening, and if you are planning to watch any of the matches in Benidorm this summer, you are going to have plenty of company. The resort has activated a special security operation for the 2026 tournament after data from tour operators revealed an 18% increase in flights from the United Kingdom to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport during the championship dates, pointing to a significant surge in British visitors heading to the Costa Blanca.The Ayuntamiento has put the plan together in coordination with the Policía Nacional, with the Policía Local chief José Carlos Amorós and Councillor for Citizen Security Jesús Carrobles leading the operation. Both have stressed that the deployment will be adapted throughout the tournament depending on which matches are being played and how the competition develops.
Amorós and Carrobles were clear that the operation will have "a fundamentally preventive and deterrent character," with the primary goal of keeping both residents and visitors safe throughout what promises to be a very busy summer. Increased police presence is planned for the matches considered highest risk, and for England's opening games, the Policía Nacional's Police Intervention Unit will also be on standby.
One factor adding complexity to the planning is the time difference. Because the tournament is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, several matches will kick off in the early hours of the Spanish morning, meaning fans will be gathering late into the night.
For those keeping track, here are the group stage match times in Spanish time:
England:
- Wednesday June 18: England vs Croatia, Dallas, 10.00pm
- Wednesday June 24: England vs Ghana, Boston, 10.00pm
- Sunday June 28: Panama vs England, New York-New Jersey, 11.00pm
Scotland:
- Monday June 15: Scotland vs Haiti, Boston, 3.00am
- Saturday June 20: Scotland vs Morocco, Boston, 12.00am (midnight)
- Thursday June 25: Scotland vs Brazil, Miami, 12.00am (midnight)
The city has previous experience managing large gatherings of British fans. During the Euro final two years ago between Spain and England, Benidorm saw a major concentration of supporters from both nations and had to deploy a specific operation to maintain public order in the busiest areas. That experience is clearly informing the planning this time around.
Benidorm is widely regarded as one of the top destinations in Spain for British tourists, and with the World Cup running through the height of the summer season, the city is taking no chances.
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