The San Óscar Arnulfo Romero and Galdámez International Airport experienced a significant surge in passenger traffic in 2024, marking a 16.3% increase compared to 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA).

The recent report, released this week, indicates that between January and December 2024, the airport served over 5.2 million passengers. This represents an increase of 744,306 passengers from the 4.5 million recorded in 2023. Notably, the airport welcomed over half a million travelers in December alone, achieving the milestone of its 5 millionth passenger for the first time in its history.

The total passenger count includes those arriving, departing, transiting, and transferring through the airport. In 2024, arriving passengers accounted for 41.3% of the total, amounting to 2.1 million individuals. Departing passengers comprised 39.3% with 2 million travelers, while transit and transfer passengers represented 18.6% and 0.8%, respectively.

CEPA highlighted El Salvador’s growing prominence as a global tourist destination in a statement shared last week. The report attributes the increased passenger numbers to the recovery and continuous growth of the country’s aviation sector.

The airport’s performance in 2024 also earned it international recognition, with Cirium ranking it as the fourth most punctual airport globally in the small airport category, boasting an on-time performance rate of 89.33%.

The airport operates 34 routes, connecting El Salvador to major cities such as Las Vegas, Houston, Washington, D.C., Mexico City, Cancun, and Panama City. It serves as a vital gateway for Salvadorans traveling to Europe, North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

CEPA links the rise in passenger traffic to an uptick in tourism, fueled by improved security, enhanced infrastructure, human resource development, and the country’s promotional efforts. The report also notes a 9.3% increase in landings, with 24,533 recorded in 2024, and 2,422 non-commercial or cargo operations, alongside over 1.2 million vehicle entries at the airport.

These figures underscore the robust recovery and expansion of El Salvador’s aviation industry, reinforcing its strategic importance in the region’s air transport network.