The El Salvador International Airport has experienced a significant upswing in passenger traffic, marking a 43% increase in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. According to statistics provided by the Executive Autonomous Port Commission (CEPA), approximately 869,000 passengers for arrivals, departures, and connections were serviced during this time frame.
Federico Anliker, the President of CEPA, emphasized that from January 1st to February 29th, 2024, the airport witnessed an impressive surge, handling around 869,000 passengers. This surge signifies a notable 43% growth compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
The influx of commercial passenger flights also witnessed a substantial rise, with over 7,600 flight operations recorded in the first two months. This reflects a commendable 29% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Additionally, aircraft landings at the airport increased by 26% during this period compared to 2023.
CEPA reported that flights originated from various countries, including the United States, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and others worldwide. This diverse origin of flights underscores the positive shift El Salvador’s airport has experienced, surpassing previous year figures.
Federico Anliker attributed this surge in passenger and flight operations to the post-pandemic recovery being witnessed in El Salvador. He credited President Nayib Bukele’s visionary leadership and management strategies for this positive trend. Anliker stated, «El Salvador has positioned itself differently, especially as a world-class tourist destination, thanks to our government’s security and tourism strategy, among other initiatives such as Surf.»
Presently, the airport hosts operations from 14 airlines, connecting El Salvador to over 30 destinations across 13 countries. This growth in connectivity further solidifies El Salvador’s status as a thriving hub in the region.
The impressive performance of El Salvador International Airport serves as a testament to the country’s resilience and strategic approach, reinforcing its emergence as a global player in the travel and tourism sector.