El Salvador is set to ratify an air transport agreement with Costa Rica, aimed at improving coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries and airlines. Signed during President Nayib Bukele’s recent visit to Costa Rica in November 2024, the agreement focuses on enhancing both cargo and passenger services while ensuring the safety of air travel.
Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly’s Commission on Salvadorans Abroad, Legislation, and Government issued a favorable opinion for the ratification of the agreement. The deputies unanimously approved the opinion after hearing explanations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which emphasized that the agreement is designed to prevent threats to aircraft safety, protecting passengers, crew, and property.
Patricia Aguilera, Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that the agreement not only fosters coordination between the two governments but also between airlines to ensure smoother operations and greater security. «This agreement will benefit not just the travel sector, but also the air cargo sector,» Aguilera stated.
The agreement, signed in San José, Costa Rica, aims to create conditions for increased trade between the two countries, as well as enhance the air cargo transport sector. Eduardo García, Director of Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the agreement will lead to the creation of regional tourist packages and stimulate job creation, business expansion, and the promotion of a more efficient civil aviation system.
Trade between El Salvador and Costa Rica amounts to $678 million, and with this agreement, both nations expect to further strengthen their commercial and economic ties. This year marks 180 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
«The Government continues to take significant steps in expanding opportunities for international air services, ensuring they are both efficient and competitive,» added Aguilera. The agreement will be presented for discussion in tomorrow’s plenary session of the Legislative Assembly.
