List of Airports in El Salvador
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of El Salvador according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in El Salvador are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in El Salvador
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comalapa International Airport | SAL | San Salvador | Medium |
Major Airports in El Salvador
1. El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
Airport Code: SAL
Time Zone: CST (Central Standard Time)
Address:
Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador,
Comalapa, La Paz,
El Salvador
Nearby Cities:
- San Salvador (27 miles)
- La Libertad (9 miles)
- Santa Tecla (17 miles)
- San Miguel (91 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Avianca
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 2.5 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
El Salvador International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador), also known as Comalapa International Airport, is located about 40 kilometers south of San Salvador, the capital. The airport began operations in 1980, replacing the old Ilopango Airport as the country’s main international gateway. It was constructed due to the growing demand for air travel and the need for a larger, more modern facility to accommodate international traffic.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades, making it a regional hub for flights to the United States, Central America, and other destinations in the Americas. In 2001, a major terminal renovation was completed, followed by the construction of new passenger terminals and increased capacity to handle growing air traffic. El Salvador International is now a vital airport for the country’s tourism and business sectors, handling both international flights and providing important regional connections.
Facilities and Infrastructure
El Salvador International Airport has a single runway, which is 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) long. The length and strength of the runway allow the airport to accommodate large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747, Airbus A330, and other similar aircraft. This makes the airport capable of handling long-haul international flights, especially to destinations in North America and Europe.
The terminal complex includes two main passenger terminals, modern check-in counters, lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and other amenities such as currency exchange and car rental services. In addition to passenger services, the airport offers efficient cargo handling, including a dedicated cargo terminal. The airport also has an extensive ground transportation network, with options such as taxis, buses, and private shuttles that connect the airport to various parts of the country.
2. Ilopango International Airport (ILS)
Airport Code: ILS
Time Zone: CST (Central Standard Time)
Address:
Ilopango International Airport,
Ilopango, San Salvador,
El Salvador
Nearby Cities:
- San Salvador (6 miles)
- Soyapango (4 miles)
- Mejicanos (7 miles)
- Santa Tecla (9 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Avianca
- Taca Regional
- Aeroman (Private Charter Service)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500,000–600,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Ilopango International Airport is located just 6 miles east of San Salvador, making it one of the closest airports to the capital city. The airport, originally opened in the 1960s, was the primary international airport for El Salvador until the opening of El Salvador International Airport in 1980. Today, Ilopango serves as a regional airport and is focused on domestic flights, charter services, and private aviation, as well as some limited international flights to neighboring Central American countries.
Ilopango is particularly important for general aviation and serves as a hub for private and executive flights. Due to its proximity to San Salvador, the airport is also utilized by business travelers and government officials. The airport has seen several improvements in recent years, particularly in its infrastructure for handling private aircraft and regional flights.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Ilopango Airport has a single runway, which is 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) long. While this runway is sufficient for medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and smaller regional jets, it is not designed to handle large wide-body jets. The airport primarily serves smaller aircraft, general aviation, and domestic flights, with some limited capacity for regional international flights.
The terminal is smaller compared to El Salvador International Airport, with basic amenities such as check-in counters, seating areas, and a small café. There are also services like baggage claim and a few duty-free shops. The airport does not have the capacity for large-scale cargo operations, but it is an important part of the country’s aviation infrastructure, especially for private and chartered flights.
3. La Unión Airport (LUV)
Airport Code: LUV
Time Zone: CST (Central Standard Time)
Address:
La Unión Airport,
La Unión, El Salvador
Nearby Cities:
- La Unión (0 miles)
- Conchagua (7 miles)
- Puerto El Triunfo (17 miles)
- San Miguel (45 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Avianca (Occasional flights)
- San Salvador International Airlines (Regional services)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 50,000–70,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
La Unión Airport is a small regional airport located in the eastern part of El Salvador, near the town of La Unión. The airport primarily serves the eastern region of the country and connects the area with San Salvador and other parts of Central America. Originally built in the 1990s, La Unión was developed to provide access to the region’s burgeoning tourism industry, particularly for travelers visiting nearby beaches and natural reserves.
The airport is of strategic importance due to its proximity to the Gulf of Fonseca, which is a hub for shipping, tourism, and regional trade. La Unión Airport mainly handles domestic flights, with occasional international services to neighboring countries like Honduras and Nicaragua.
Facilities and Infrastructure
La Unión Airport has a shorter runway, measuring approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). This runway length restricts its ability to accommodate large aircraft, meaning the airport can only handle smaller regional aircraft, such as the ATR 72 or small turboprop planes.
The terminal is quite basic, offering limited passenger services, including check-in counters and a small waiting area. Ground transportation options include taxis and buses that provide access to nearby towns and tourist attractions. Although it does not handle significant cargo traffic, La Unión Airport plays an essential role in providing air access to the southeastern part of El Salvador.
4. San Miguel Airport (SMG)
Airport Code: SMG
Time Zone: CST (Central Standard Time)
Address:
San Miguel Airport,
San Miguel, El Salvador
Nearby Cities:
- San Miguel (0 miles)
- Chirilagua (9 miles)
- Pasaquina (16 miles)
- Tecapa (20 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Avianca
- Taca Regional
- Volaris El Salvador
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200,000–300,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
San Miguel Airport serves as a secondary airport in El Salvador, located in the southeastern part of the country, about 130 kilometers east of the capital, San Salvador. The airport has been in operation since the 1980s and primarily handles domestic flights, with limited regional international services. It was built to serve the growing demand for air travel in the eastern region of the country, especially from business travelers, government officials, and tourists visiting the area.
San Miguel has become an important gateway for travelers to the beaches and eco-tourism destinations along El Salvador’s Pacific coast, as well as for those visiting the surrounding agricultural and industrial areas. Though it handles fewer passengers than El Salvador International Airport, it remains a vital regional hub.
Facilities and Infrastructure
San Miguel Airport features a single runway, which is 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) in length. This allows it to accommodate smaller aircraft, such as the ATR 72, Bombardier Q400, and other similar regional planes. The airport does not have the capacity to handle large wide-body jets, which are typically used for long-haul international flights.
The terminal is small but functional, with check-in counters, seating areas, and basic amenities such as a café. Ground transportation options include taxis, buses, and car rentals. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, and its proximity to San Salvador and the eastern regions of the country make it an essential hub for local air travel.
5. Ilopango Air Base (Military)
Airport Code: Not assigned (Military use)
Time Zone: CST (Central Standard Time)
Address:
Ilopango Air Base,
Ilopango, San Salvador,
El Salvador
Nearby Cities:
- San Salvador (6 miles)
- Soyapango (5 miles)
- Mejicanos (8 miles)
- Santa Tecla (9 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- N/A (Military use, but some charter flights and humanitarian missions)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000–15,000 passengers (mostly military and chartered flights).
Airport Location and History
Ilopango Air Base is located near the city of San Salvador, serving primarily military and governmental functions. It was established in the 1950s and has since been used for various military operations and humanitarian flights. Although it does not serve as a commercial airport, it plays a significant role in the country’s national security and emergency response systems.
Over the years, the airport has also been used for some commercial and charter flights, particularly for private companies and foreign governments. The proximity to the capital makes it an ideal location for government flights, diplomatic missions, and international peacekeeping operations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Ilopango Air Base has a runway that is approximately 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in length, which allows for the operation of medium-sized aircraft. However, as a military airfield, it is not equipped to handle large commercial airliners. The facilities are focused on military and governmental use, with limited passenger services and no regular commercial flights.
The air base is an important strategic asset for El Salvador, and while it does not serve the general public in the way other airports do, it plays a critical role in national defense, security, and emergency operations. It also provides some regional connectivity, particularly for diplomatic and humanitarian purposes.
