El Salvador is hosting the International Workshop on Airports of the Future, a global event focused on technological innovations, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in the aviation sector. The event, organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (Unitar) and Airports & Economic Development, brings together key aviation stakeholders from El Salvador, the United States, Germany, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, and Mexico, among others.
During the workshop, Federico Anliker, president of the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), emphasized the impact of President Nayib Bukele’s security strategy, which has strengthened tourism and foreign investment, leading to a significant increase in airport traffic.
“Under the leadership of President Bukele, El Salvador recognizes that investing in airport infrastructure is a step toward the future. Airports are more than connection points; they are gateways to economic growth, tourism, and competitiveness,” Anliker stated. He also highlighted the recent expansion of the El Salvador International Airport, which now offers a modern, comfortable experience for travelers and increased passenger capacity since the terminal expansion in February 2022.
Looking ahead, El Salvador is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence into airport operations, security, and customer service, ensuring more efficient and safe environments.
Alrene Barr, senior director of the Atlanta International Airport, expressed support for strengthening the airport industry and praised CEPA for fostering discussions on economic development and airport security.
“We are committed to working together, exploring new techniques until we achieve the success we seek for our airports and communities,” Barr said, adding that collaboration between Unitar, CEPA, and Georgia Tech will be key to advancing the aviation sector.
The two-day event, held on March 4 and 5, underscores El Salvador’s commitment to modernizing its airport infrastructure and positioning itself as a leader in aviation innovation in the region.