A. M. 
Federico Anliker, president of the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA), emphasizes that the country is experiencing double-digit growth in air traffic, driving US$800 million in airport infrastructure investments, and attracting a new generation of salvadorans and tourists who are now visiting the country thanks to improved security.
Record passenger and air cargo
Anliker reported that El Salvador International Airport expects to close this week with 4.8 million passengers, including arrivals, departures, and transits, as the high season begins. He added that the projection is to reach 5 million passengers, supported by a 16.3% growth recorded last year and a double-digit expansion trend, exceeding the regional average.
Regarding air cargo, the president of the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA) emphasized that the country is also setting a historic record, with annual increases of nearly 25%. He noted that single-digit growth in Central America is already a significant achievement, so El Salvador’s results, with double-digit passenger growth and strong increases in cargo, demonstrate the positive momentum of the national aviation sector.
US$800 million investment and new airport
The official detailed that approximately US$800 million in direct investment is being made in aeronautical infrastructure throughout the country. He mentioned that the Pacific Airport is under construction in the eastern region, where earthworks are already nearly 70% complete. This new terminal aims to complement and expand the national airport capacity.
El Salvador International Airport is undergoing major modernization projects: a new baggage claim terminal, renovated immigration and customs areas, and the future construction of a four-story parking garage with 2,000 spaces. Later, six new concourses will be added to the east side of the terminal, meaning the expansion of the airport’s newer section will continue to meet growing demand.
Tourism booming and salvadorans returning
Anliker stated that El Salvador is now “a giant, trendy country”, with unprecedented tourism growth, reflected in the large number of tourists and salvadorans living abroad arriving at the airport. He explained that many compatriots are returning for the first time in years, motivated by improved security and the desire to spend the Christmas holidays with their families.
He also highlighted that there is “a new generation of salvadorans” experiencing the country for the first time, children of migrants who previously did not visit El Salvador due to crime, but who now can. In this context, the airport is seen as the country’s gateway and a key player in supporting the tourism boom and the increase in passenger and cargo flights.
IATA, open skies, and economic impact
During his remarks, the president of the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA), Federico Anliker, thanked IATA for choosing El Salvador as the event’s host and for the collaborative work being carried out with various national institutions. He noted that aviation generates between 4.5% and 5% of the Gross Domestic Product, including both direct and indirect employment, making it a fundamental pillar of the salvadoran economy.
Anliker stated that, following President Bukele’s mandate, the country’s vision is to have “open skies” and capitalize on the growing interest of passenger and cargo airlines in operating in El Salvador. He concluded by emphasizing that the positive results are the fruit of coordinated work “from day one” among several institutions and insisted that all salvadorans should feel happy and proud of the changes taking place in the country.
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