El Salvador’s International Airport, officially known as «Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez,» has reported a staggering 47% increase in passenger traffic during the first half of January. According to data provided by the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) up to January 14, the airport continues to uphold the momentum achieved in 2023.
Last year marked a historic achievement for El Salvador in terms of international tourism, with over 3.4 million tourists visiting the country. Impressively, 56% of these visitors arrived through the El Salvador International Airport, solidifying its pivotal role in the nation’s tourism landscape.
CEPA officials have confirmed that the airport’s operations have maintained their dynamic pace throughout the initial fortnight of 2024. Between January 1 and 14 alone, the terminal witnessed a footfall of over 235,000 passengers, encompassing arrivals, departures, and connecting flights. This remarkable surge represents a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Looking back at the previous year, CEPA reported a total of 4.5 million passengers, signifying a 32% surge in traveler movements compared to the results from 2022. On a daily average, the airport accommodated around 14,000 passengers, establishing itself as a crucial hub for regional passenger traffic, as declared by government authorities.
Noteworthy is the revelation that during the same period, the airport handled more than 41,900 commercial flight operations, marking a 21% increase over the figures recorded in 2022. The majority of these flights originate from the United States, underscoring the airport’s significance in connecting El Salvador with global destinations. Additionally, there has been a substantial impact on flight operations to and from countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico.