As of early April, passenger traffic at El Salvador International Airport exceeded 1.4 million, according to Salvadoran authorities. This reflects continued growth driven by tourism, international events, and expanded airline operations throughout early 2026.
The Executive Port Commission (CEPA) said the figure covers arriving, departing, and connecting passengers recorded between January 1 and April 5, marking a steady rise in activity at the country’s main aviation hub.
According to CEPA data, passenger traffic increased by 10% compared with the same period in 2025, when more than 1.3 million travelers were registered.
Officials attributed the growth to increased tourism activity and a calendar of international events that have drawn visitors. They elevated the country’s profile as a Central American destination during the opening months of 2026.
CEPA President Federico Anliker said, “The year began with positive indicators, linking the rise in passenger numbers to broader economic and tourism momentum observed across the country.”
He added that airport authorities remain focused on delivering efficient, modern services aimed at improving the traveler experience, as El Salvador continues to position itself competitively within the regional aviation market.
Operational data also showed 12,472 passenger flight movements during the same period, a 1% increase from 12,400 operations recorded in early 2025, according to CEPA statistics.
Anliker said the increase in operations reflects greater flight frequency, expanded routes, and a growing number of airlines serving the airport, all of which contribute to higher passenger volumes.
The Ministry of Tourism also released numbers that align with CEPA’s data, indicating continued growth in international arrivals and reinforcing the country’s status as an emerging tourism destination.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez said that more than 1 million international visitors arrived in El Salvador in the first three months of 2026.
Most of them came from places like Guatemala, Honduras, the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Canada, indicating that the country is attracting travelers from both nearby and farther-away countries.
If current trends persist, authorities project that passenger totals could approach or match 2025 levels, when the airport handled approximately 5.2 million arriving, departing, and connecting travelers.
