The construction of the Pacific International Airport in Conchagua, La Unión, is set to commence in January next year, according to El Salvador’s Minister of Public Works, Romeo Rodríguez. The announcement was made during an interview on a radio program.

The ambitious airport project, which will be partially funded by a $320 million loan from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), includes a 2,400-meter runway, a passenger terminal, and a maintenance building. The Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) initially projected that work would begin between late 2024 and early 2025. CEPA President Federico Anliker confirmed that bids from companies interested in earthworks and airport construction were expected in October as part of a tender process launched in July.

The airport, located in the hamlets of Condadillo and Flor de Mangle, has seen preliminary site surveys since 2022, including the relocation of residents in affected areas. The project is intended to serve three million Salvadorans abroad, with around 60% originating from eastern El Salvador. CEPA’s latest report highlights $2.44 million already spent on the airport project, from an allocated $19.4 million for the year.

This infrastructure initiative is expected to boost connectivity and economic growth, with CEPA reporting $30 million raised through debt securitization in 2023, earmarked specifically for this transformative project.