The increasing number of domestic and international travelers passing through El Salvador’s San Óscar Arnulfo Romero and Galdámez International Airport has prompted the government to continue expanding and modernizing the country’s main air terminal.

During the launch of construction for the upcoming Pacific International Airport, President Nayib Bukele announced that a new passenger terminal will be built as part of the expansion plans for the current airport.

The president of the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA), Federico Anliker, confirmed that the new terminal will be constructed on the eastern side of the airport. “The modernization aims to add more gates on the eastern side of the new international passenger terminal to accommodate more travelers and aircraft,” Anliker told Diario El Salvador during the inauguration of a new check-in area. He added that CEPA is already “working on designs with multilateral organizations to structure all the elements of such a large-scale project.”

Anliker emphasized that the project will help maintain the airport’s current level of operational efficiency. In 2024 alone, the airport handled over 5.2 million international travelers, including arrivals, departures, and connections.

“This expansion is about meeting the 16% annual demand growth at El Salvador’s international airport. We’re staying ahead of the curve to fulfill President Bukele’s vision of strengthening national infrastructure and boosting the economy,” he said.

He also hinted at additional projects in the pipeline, including new baggage carousels and expanded parking areas. “We’re already leaders, and we will continue innovating and modernizing this airport—as well as the future Pacific Airport,” he concluded.