A. M. 
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved this november 20 a loan for US$195 million aimed at modernizing the Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (AIES), one of the key infrastructures for air transport and tourism in the country.
The financing, granted under the Préstamo de Inversión Específica (ESP), modality, aims to raise the quality of airport service and strengthen the institutional capacity of El Salvador in terms of planning, management and operation of air transportation. This investment is part of the America at the Center initiative, promoted by the IDB to promote sustainable regional infrastructure and greater economic integration.
Benefits for millions of users
According to IDB projections, the modernization of the AIES will directly benefit 7.7 million passengers annually by 2030, who will be able to use the new airport facilities. In addition, it will positively impact more than 518,000 people linked to the tourism sector and indirectly 1.8 million salvadorans, by boosting economic activity and improving air connectivity.
El Salvador currently faces opportunities to improve its air connectivity, highly concentrated in the AIES, which moves 99.8% of operations and all international flights. Modernization will strengthen the country’s competitiveness, and boost the growth of tourism and foreign investment.
Works contemplated in the Project
The program financed by the IDB includes:
• Construction of the second stage of expansion of the passenger terminal.
• Expansion of the aircraft platform.
• Construction of the Foxtrot taxiway.
• Vehicle parking building.
• New building for the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (SSEI).
These improvements seek to create a more modern, efficient airport system with the capacity to meet the growing demand for passengers and flights.
Loan conditions
The US$195 million loan granted by the IDB includes:
• 23 years amortization period.
• 7.5 years grace period.
• Interest rate based on SOFR.
With this financing, El Salvador takes a strategic step towards the modernization of its airport infrastructure, underpinning its regional economic integration and strengthening its positioning as an attractive destination for tourism and investment.
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