El Salvador is categorized as one of the most competitive markets in the air sector in the region thanks to the initiatives implemented by the government of President Nayib Bukele. This was stated by the head of the Superintendency of Competition (SC), Gerardo Henríquez.

According to the official, since the arrival of the current administration, the barriers and bureaucratic procedures for the arrival of new airlines have been eliminated. “When these barriers are removed, you become more attractive to new investment,” he said.

“In order to attract quality companies to the country, work has been done on the terms for evacuating queries, clear and transparent terms of reference that do not restrict potential bidders,” explained Henríquez.

The official stressed that the country is not only competitive in infrastructure but also in the supply of connectivity for local and international travel, which reaffirms that tourism and open skies policies are designed to be functional for airlines.

At present, according to Henríquez, the country holds the “pro tempore” presidency of the Central American Network of National Competition Authorities (Recac), through which a study is carried out on passenger air transport in the region and then a policy is created, which must be implemented by each country, depending on its nature and characteristics.

«El Salvador is a “hub” for the air sector. It has an essential facility with very competitive infrastructure and is attractive in the region, including the Dominican Republic. The studies affirm that the country has an excellent facility for the procedure and that the international airport is complete and of first level”, said the official.

According to statistics from the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), the El Salvador International Airport has served more than 2.6 million passengers, as well as 27,120 commercial passenger flights between January 1 and October 9 of this year.

In addition, with the incorporation of the Dominican Arajet, 13 airlines operate at the airport, connecting the country with more than 29 international destinations.

On the other hand, the superintendent affirmed that, as an institution, they have been attentive so that competition occurs not only in the execution of the projects, but also in the previous stage.