The Salvadoran government officially inaugurated the El Zapote airfield in Ahuachapán Sur this Saturday, marking a $2.3 million milestone in the nation’s infrastructure. Minister of Public Works Romeo Herrera confirmed the transformation of the former dirt strip into a 1.2-kilometer paved and signaled runway. Now we have a runway totally paved and signaled; it also has lighting so that during night hours, planes and helicopters have greater visibility and better safety is guaranteed, Herrera stated.
Strategically located near the popular Barra de Santiago and Garita Palmera beaches, the facility is designed to serve as a vital gateway for international travelers. Beyond the runway, the site features a modern terminal equipped with migration offices, waiting rooms, and enhanced security infrastructure. Officials emphasized that this project is a core component of the country’s mission to modernize its civil aviation and provide high-quality points of entry for global visitors.
The airfield is a key pillar of El Salvador’s “Open Skies” policy, aimed at streamlining air travel across Central America. CEPA President Federico Anliker noted that the facility functions as a development hub, initially targeting increased connectivity with neighboring Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. We are strengthening the airfields so that brothers can come in the first phase, and subsequently we will expand to anyone from any part of the world, Anliker remarked.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez highlighted the economic impact, noting that over half of global tourists arrive by air. With El Salvador welcoming 4.1 million international visitors last year, the new airfield is expected to further boost these record-breaking figures. This type of airfield serves to connect Central American countries because when travelers come, they don’t just want to visit El Salvador; they want to explore the region, Valdez explained.
The inauguration reflects a coordinated effort between multiple government agencies to ensure safe, efficient, and secure operations. By integrating modern lighting, drainage systems, and migration services, the El Zapote airfield represents a significant step in El Salvador’s strategy to utilize improved national security as a foundation for sustainable tourism and international investment.