El Salvador International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez has reached a major milestone, serving more than 4 million passengers between January 1 and October 4, 2026. According to the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), the growth in overall traffic—covering arrivals, departures, and layovers—reflects the airport’s expanding role as a strategic regional hub in Central America.
The upward trajectory is largely propelled by connection and transfer travelers rather than local entry points. Transparency reports through August show a 15.6% increase in transfer passengers and a 10.2% rise in transit travelers compared to the same period in 2025, bringing total passenger volume through August to 3.62 million—a 3.2% year-over-year increase.
Key infrastructure investments are actively supporting this surge in connecting flights. In June 2026, state authorities inaugurated a brand-new passenger terminal representing a $50 million investment. “The new terminal strengthens the airport’s capacity in key areas, such as migration controls and baggage delivery. These improvements facilitate the journey for travelers and offer a more comfortable experience from the moment they enter the country,” CEPA stated on its official platform.
Meanwhile, ground operations showed mixed results as vehicular traffic at the facility adjusted to new flow dynamics. The airport handled 770,605 vehicles in its parking facilities through August, representing a 6% decline—or 49,219 fewer vehicles—compared to the 819,824 vehicles registered during the same timeframe in 2025.