El Salvador International Airport reached a major aviation milestone early Monday morning with the arrival of Iberojet’s inaugural direct flight from Madrid. The Airbus A350-900 landed at 12:15 a.m. carrying 180 passengers, marking the official launch of the Spanish airline’s operations in the country. Following this arrival, the historical first non-stop service from San Salvador to Barcelona departed at 3:45 a.m. with 351 travelers on board, establishing a seamless air bridge between Europe and Central America.

The new connectivity opens significant avenues for trade, diaspora travel, and international tourism. Officials highlighted that European visitor numbers are rising steadily, with El Salvador aiming to surpass last year’s record of 25,000 Spanish tourists after recording over 16,000 visits between January and August alone. CEPA President Federico Anliker welcomed the carrier to its new home, stating that the route “expands travel options for all Salvadorans and our diaspora, facilitating the arrival of more European tourists to our country while strengthening ties with Spain.”

Airline leadership emphasized the importance of bringing the two regions together through direct air transportation. Iberojet Deputy Director Mario Domínguez expressed pride in reaching this operational milestone, calling it a historic moment aimed at “bringing two cultures together.” The direct connection is expected to increase commercial activity and promote regional investment opportunities by providing a reliable link for both leisure and business travelers.

Government representatives attributed the confidence of international enterprises and airlines to El Salvador’s improved security environment and stable legal framework. Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez extended her appreciation to President Nayib Bukele, noting that “without security, legal certainty, and the confidence of international business owners to establish their companies here in El Salvador, this would not be possible.”