El Salvador’s main air gateway began 2026 with solid growth, reflecting rising international interest in the country. According to the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), the El Salvador International Airport handled 735,582 arriving, departing, and connecting passengers between January 1 and February 15, marking a 7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The growth builds on momentum seen throughout 2025 and signals continued expansion in tourism and business travel. During the same timeframe in 2025, the airport served 686,398 passengers, underscoring the scale of the year-over-year increase.
CEPA President Federico Anliker attributed the surge to the country’s expanding tourism sector and the hosting of international events that have drawn visitors from the United States and other global markets. “2026 begins with positive figures that reflect the moment El Salvador is experiencing. The 7 percent increase in passengers is linked to tourism dynamism and the international events that have placed the country at the center of attention. From the airport, we are committed to providing a modern, agile, and high-quality experience to every visitor,” Anliker told Diario El Salvador.
In addition to higher passenger traffic, airport operations have also increased. CEPA reported 6,366 passenger flight operations during the first six weeks of the year, up 3 percent from the 6,168 recorded during the same period in 2025.
For U.S. travelers and investors monitoring regional trends, the figures highlight El Salvador’s growing connectivity and its efforts to position itself as a competitive destination in Central America.