El Salvador’s International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez celebrated a milestone yesterday as it welcomed its 3 millionth passenger during the morning flight schedule. This achievement was announced by the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA).
Federico Anliker, president of CEPA, highlighted that this milestone represents a 25% increase in traveler attendance compared to the same period in 2023. “These figures are the result of President Nayib Bukele’s effective strategies in security, tourism, investment in airport infrastructure, and the coordinated work we do with the airlines,” said Anliker.
The increased activity at the airport underscores the government’s commitment to providing better service to travelers, as mandated by President Bukele, Anliker added. “Our commitment is to maintain and exceed the quality and expectations of passengers. A 25% increase is a considerable two-digit number. Never in the country’s and the region’s history has there been such a large increase. We are providing world-class quality service, even better than many so-called first-world airports. We are taking care of the details in all services to provide the best experience for passengers,” he affirmed.
To accommodate the substantial growth in passenger traffic, Anliker mentioned that various investments are being made to improve the airport terminal. “We are expanding areas like the check-in section, which we hope to inaugurate in the coming months, and further expansions are planned, including boarding lounges, baggage carousels, and other facilities to meet the increasing demand in the country,” he explained.
During the high vacation season, which runs from July 29 to August 7, CEPA expects a significant increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from Salvadorans residing abroad who choose their home country for vacation. “For this peak season, we project to serve over 160,000 passengers at the airport, with an average of 15,000 people daily,” Anliker estimated.
Additionally, the International Airport has surpassed 25,000 commercial passenger flight operations to date, marking a 16% increase compared to last year.