The government of El Salvador is doubling down on open skies agreements to make air travel more affordable, foster economic growth, and prevent monopolies in the airline sector. Although the Legislative Assembly passed an open skies policy in 2013, El Salvador has only recently begun to maximize its benefits. This policy aims to ease regulatory restrictions on airline pricing and capacity, enabling greater competition and accessibility.
As of now, El Salvador has 22 open skies agreements with countries in Central America, North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. At least 10 of these agreements have been ratified during President Nayib Bukele’s administration, with the earliest dating back to 1997 with Spain. According to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira, these agreements, facilitated by the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) and the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), create a regulatory framework for large-scale international travel to and from El Salvador.
Mira emphasized that reducing air travel costs is a priority for the Salvadoran government. “We don’t want more monopolies. What we want is more airlines coming to invest, along with greater connectivity. We’re focused on lowering prices, especially to Europe and South America,” she said.
The open skies agreement with Brazil, a project over a decade in the making, has finally reached its final stages under President Bukele’s administration. Additionally, a preliminary open skies agreement with Uruguay has been signed, which, according to Mira, will help both countries’ airlines feel secure and encouraged to invest.
Currently, 13 airlines operate in El Salvador, connecting the country to 31 international destinations, most of which fall under open skies agreements. CEPA projects these airlines will carry an estimated 5 million passengers in 2024. Global airline travel is also experiencing a significant resurgence, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasting that 5 billion people will travel by air this year, with tourism accounting for roughly 35% of those passengers.