El Salvador’s aviation sector is poised for significant expansion as Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez confirmed that Air Canada has expressed formal interest in establishing direct operations within the country. During a recent interview, Valdez revealed that government officials are meeting with representatives from the Canadian carrier to discuss potential direct routes, specifically targeting a new connection from Montreal. This move follows a strong 2025 performance for the Canadian market, which saw over 74,000 passengers traveling between the two nations.
The arrival of new players is not limited to North America, as the Spanish airline Iberojet is also scheduled to begin regular operations during the first quarter of 2026. This carrier aims to provide direct connectivity between San Salvador and major Spanish hubs like Madrid and Barcelona. This follows a successful milestone in late 2025, when Iberojet managed a charter flight through the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport that connected passengers all the way to Tokyo, Japan.
Currently, the Salvadoran sky is dominated by a mix of legacy and low-cost carriers. Data from the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA) indicates that Avianca remains the market leader, commanding 47% of total passenger traffic. Major U.S. carriers also maintain a heavy footprint, with United Airlines holding a 15% market share, while Volaris follows closely at 14%. The potential entry of Air Canada would add a 15th airline to a diverse roster that already includes names like Delta, American, and Spirit.
Expanding direct routes to Europe remains a strategic priority for the Ministry of Tourism. While Iberia currently maintains a permanent direct link to Madrid, it requires a stop in Guatemala on the return leg. The formalization of Iberojet’s flights would provide a much-needed alternative for the nearly 40,000 passengers who traveled between Spain and El Salvador last year. They are interested in coming to do direct flights, Valdez emphasized, noting that these negotiations reflect the country’s growing appeal as a regional destination.
As the international airport continues to modernize, the government hopes these new partnerships will decentralize travel and offer more competitive pricing for the diaspora and tourists alike. With 14 airlines currently active and two major international carriers in the final stages of planning, El Salvador is rapidly cementing its status as a pivotal transit point in Central America.