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The El Salvador International Airport is experiencing a stage of unprecedented transformation, consolidating itself as one of the most modern connection hubs, safe and efficient Central America.
In an exclusive interview with Federico Anliker, president of the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA), ambitious expansion plans detailed, the impact of security policies on tourism and the new milestones in connectivity that position the terminal as an international benchmark.
El Salvador airport grows more than ever
When the current administration took over management in 2019, The terminal was operating at the limit of its nominal capacity, fixed in some 3 million passengers per year, with an infrastructure that had practically not received significant investments since its inauguration in the 1970s. 1980. Nevertheless, in a period of just seven years, the panorama took a radical turn.
Last year, The terminal closed with a record number of 5.2 million passengers, driven by constant growth that has taken its current capacity to about 7.5 millions. About, Anliker highlighted the operational commitment and comprehensive vision of the project:
«We receive an airport of 3 million passengers annually with very little investment to an airport that we are going to take to the 12 million passengers. We are talking that we are going to grow it 4 times more in a relatively short period of time, That's how we planned it."
Investment and modernization towards 12 million passengers
To sustain this exponential growth, CEPA executes a master investment plan that amounts to about 200 million dollars projected for the next three years. The works include the construction of a four-level parking building, six new boarding rooms that will provide continuity to the east wing inaugurated four years ago, new aircraft ramps and taxiways to streamline operations.
in addition, The construction of a new building for the aeronautical fire department is planned, with the clear goal of raising the total capacity of the terminal to 11 O 12 million passengers per year.
One of the fundamental pillars behind this operational success has been the drastic change in the country's security indices under the administration of President Nayib Bukele.. According to Anliker, The eradication of violence has led to an unprecedented tourism boom, attracting organic visitors from USA, Europe and Asia who previously avoided the region.
This phenomenon has transformed the airport into the first and last great impression for travelers., also standing out for high standards of service culture. The manager emphasized the pride that the terminal represents for Salvadorans:
«The airport has become a national pride, let's put it like this; everyone speaks well of the airport, everyone speaks well of the airport service, The most important thing about an airport is its people too., that provides the service, that is committed, that is being efficient, that he treats the passenger well."
Expansion of routes and open skies
On a commercial level, the policy of Open skies implemented in the country has made it possible to break old monopolies and attract new airlines. Currently, the airport operates with 13 passenger airlines and 6 load, connecting with 13 countries and 34 Destinations.
Despite the global situation marked by the shortage of aircraft and the increase in fuel prices, The Savior moves against the current with the incorporation of new direct transatlantic connections. About the arrival of new European airlines that will connect for the first time with Barcelona, Anliker pointed out:
«Already closing the 2026 we are going to have Iberia, we are going to have Avianca, Air Europa and Iberojet. Then, We already have four airlines that are flying directly to Europe and with a view to, definitely, for more airlines to come because we have a real open skies policy.”
Looking ahead to the next few years, the El Salvador International Airport not only aims to consolidate its infrastructure and service—having recently obtained international seals such as the recognition family friendly—, but also to diversify its environmental footprint with a 24% of its energy matrix supplied by solar plants.
For the future, the administration is already evaluating new market horizons, holding strategic conversations to capture the interest of Asian airlines and position the country as a tourism and business power in constant evolution.
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