President Nayib Bukele announced the commencement of construction for the highly anticipated Oriente Airport, a transformative megaproject aimed at boosting the development of El Salvador’s coastal and eastern regions. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Gerardo Barrios Ring Road, a key infrastructure project that will improve connectivity throughout the area.
The Pacific International Airport project gained significant momentum earlier this year when the Legislative Assembly approved funding for the initiative in May. The 2024 Budget Law was amended to allocate $19.4 million in surplus tax revenue to the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), which will oversee the construction and equipping of the new terminal in La Unión.
In addition to the national funding, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) pledged $320 million in financing for the project in July. The new airport will play a pivotal role in enhancing air connectivity, promoting tourism, and improving El Salvador’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The airport is projected to handle between 300,000 and 500,000 passengers annually, generating significant economic benefits. It is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs during its construction, with lasting economic growth for the more than one million Salvadorans living in the eastern region. Additionally, the airport will serve as an emergency auxiliary center in times of need.
Federico Anliker, president of CEPA, recently presented the project to airport industry leaders at the Latam Airport Summit II, emphasizing the investment opportunities and growth potential for the region’s aviation sector. The Oriente Airport is poised to become a cornerstone of El Salvador’s infrastructure development, driving growth and prosperity in the country’s eastern zone.