President Nayib Bukele has confirmed that the Pacific Airport in La Unión will begin operations in the first half of 2027, marking a significant step in the development of El Salvador’s eastern region. The airport, which will be capable of handling airline, cargo, assistance, military, and humanitarian flights, is designed to reduce the need for travel to Comalapa or Ilopango for flights to the east.
The project will be completed in three phases, with the first phase expected to be operational by mid-2027. «The new Pacific Airport complies with international standards set by the United States Federal Aviation Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization,» President Bukele stated.
Additionally, the president assured that the project would bring positive changes to local communities, including better access to water for surrounding areas that previously lacked reliable resources. «You don’t live well being poor, you live well having economic development. This is proven in the world,» he added.
The Pacific Airport is expected to be a catalyst for development, tourism, investment, and economic growth in the eastern part of the country. In the early stages of construction, more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created, with projections for 50,000 jobs over the next decade. This is anticipated to lead to an annual GDP growth of 1.5%, according to feasibility studies.
The Pacific Airport is part of a larger $1.4 billion investment plan aimed at transforming the eastern zone of El Salvador, which includes several infrastructure projects:
- $400 million for Puerto de La Unión
- $160 million for the Periférico Gerardo Barrios
- $386 million for the Pacific Airport
- $11 million for the San Antonio Bridge in San Miguel
- $12.5 million for the Carolina Bridge in San Miguel
- $41 million for the Punta Mango highway (Usulután – San Miguel)
- $28 million for El Mozote in Morazán
- $385.4 million for additional works
“We are investing $1,424.8 million in the eastern part of El Salvador. At last, there will be development, investment, employment, and economic growth,” President Bukele declared.
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