El Salvador has taken another major step in transforming its international airport, consolidating its position as one of the most modern and efficient in the region. The government of President Nayib Bukele marked the beginning of the second stage of the modernization plan for El Salvador International Airport “San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez” with the groundbreaking of a new baggage, customs, and migration terminal.
The project, valued at $47.2 million, is part of a broader $245 million investment that will be executed over the next four years with support from CEPA and the Inter-American Development Bank. CEPA president Federico Anliker highlighted that “our country is experiencing an unprecedented transformation. With security, confidence, and stability, we have opened the doors to more investment, tourism, and development.”
The new facility will add seven baggage carousels, increasing total capacity to 11 and enabling the airport to process up to 10,500 bags per hour. The plan also includes new passenger halls, aircraft platforms, parking facilities, fire and rescue stations, and improved customs and airline offices. Anliker emphasized that “a competitive country needs world-class infrastructure, because tourism, investment, and new opportunities for our people depend on it.”
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez noted the direct impact on the sector, underscoring that El Salvador expects around four million visitors in 2025. “It is essential that the first impression is a good one, and that the airport offers a welcoming experience,” she said.
With these efforts, El Salvador continues to strengthen its role as a regional hub for tourism and logistics, ensuring travelers benefit from safer, faster, and more comfortable facilities.