El Salvador Airports: The Complete Guide
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the airports of El Salvador, your one-stop resource for all things related to air travel in this beautiful Central American country. Whether planning a leisurely vacation or a business trip, understanding the airport landscape in El Salvador is crucial for a smooth travel experience. This comprehensive guide will cover all the major international and domestic airports.
About El Salvador
El Salvador, often hailed as the “Land of Volcanoes,” is a vibrant country that stands out in Central America for its rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning natural landscapes. Despite being the smallest country in the region, it packs a powerful punch in terms of its offerings to visitors and locals alike. From the captivating beauty of its Pacific coastline, renowned for some of the world’s best surfing spots, to the serene vistas atop its numerous volcanoes, El Salvador invites adventurers and peace-seekers to explore its diverse environments. The capital city, San Salvador, is a bustling hub where colonial heritage meets modernity, offering a mix of historical sites, contemporary art scenes, and gastronomic delights reflecting the country’s complex history and people’s resilience and creativity. Beyond its natural and urban attractions, El Salvador is making strides in aviation and connectivity, with El Salvador International Airport serving as a key gateway for travelers, making the country increasingly accessible to international visitors, including those from the United States and beyond, seeking authentic experiences and the warmth of Salvadoran hospitality.
How many airports are in El Salvador?
El Salvador maintains an efficient aviation infrastructure to support its connectivity with the region and the world, with around 22 airports, both international and domestic. The country’s main international gateway is the El Salvador International Airport, previously known as Comalapa International Airport, near the capital, San Salvador. This airport is a central hub for international flights, connecting Salvadoran residents and visitors to major destinations in the Americas and beyond. In addition to the primary international airport, El Salvador hosts several smaller airports and airstrips that facilitate domestic flights and air travel to more remote areas, enhancing the accessibility of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
Map of airports in El Salvador
To help you visualize the airport network in El Salvador, we’ve included a detailed map showcasing the locations of major international airports and domestic airfields across the country. This map will be a valuable resource for planning your travel itinerary.
The best airport to fly into El Salvador and why
The best airport to fly into El Salvador is the El Salvador International Airport (officially named Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport), located approximately 50 kilometers south of San Salvador, the nation's capital. This airport stands out as the primary gateway to the country for several compelling reasons. Its strategic location makes it an accessible entry point for travelers seeking to explore El Salvador's rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and volcanic landscapes. El Salvador International Airport also boasts modern facilities and a wide range of passenger services, including numerous dining options, shopping outlets, and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The airport also serves as a hub for international and domestic flights, offering direct connections to major cities in the Americas and Europe, significantly enhancing its appeal to travelers from around the globe. With its efficient operations, comprehensive amenities, and strategic importance in connecting El Salvador with the rest of the world, El Salvador International Airport is the ideal starting point for any journey into the heart of Central America.
Airlines flying to El Salvador
El Salvador International Airport, the primary aviation gateway into the country, welcomes a diverse array of airlines from around the globe, catering to both passenger and cargo needs.
| Airline | Flights from |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico Connect | Mexico City |
| Arajet | Santo Domingo |
| Avianca | Bogota, Boston, Cancun, Dallas-Forth Worth, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, Los Angeles, Managua, Mexico City, New York, Oakland, Ontario CA, Panama City, Quito, San Francisco, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Toronto, Washington DC |
| American Airlines | Miami, Dallas-Forth Worth |
| Copa Airlines | Panama City |
| Delta Airlines | Atlanta, Los Angeles |
| Iberia | Madrid |
| Jetblue | New York |
| Spirit Airlines | Fort-Lauderdale, Houston |
| TAG Airlines | Roatan |
| United Airlines | Houston, Los Angeles, Washington DC |
| Volaris | Mexico City, New York, Roatan, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, Washington DC |
| Wingo | Panama City |
Flight time to El Salvador
The flight time to El Salvador varies depending on your departure city. The following are approximate flight times and may vary based on weather conditions, routes, and layovers.
| From | Flight Duration |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 3h 40m |
| Bogota | 3h |
| Cancun | 1h 40m |
| Dallas | 3h 30m |
| Fort Lauderdale | 2h 50m |
| Guatemala City | 50m |
| Guayaquil | 2h 55m |
| Houston | 3h |
| Madrid (stopover in GUA) | 14h 20m |
| Managua | 55m |
| Mexico City | 2h 20m |
| Miami | 2h 50m |
| New York | 5h 5m |
| Oakland | 5h 35m |
| Ontario | 4h 45m |
| Panama City | 2h 9m |
| Quito | 2h 55m |
| Roatan | 1h 25m |
| San Francisco | 5h 25m |
| San Jose | 1H 20m |
| San Pedro Sula | 50m |
| Santo Domingo | 3h 15m |
| Tegucigalpa | 45m |
| Toronto | 5h 15m |
| Washington, DC | 4h 35m |
International Airports
El Salvador International Airport
El Salvador International Airport, officially named El Salvador International Airport San Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez and formerly known as Comalapa International Airport, serves as a principal gateway to El Salvador and a significant hub in Central America. Bearing the airport code SAL, this facility is strategically located approximately 31 miles from the capital city of San Salvador. Named in tribute to Archbishop San Oscar Romero, a revered figure in Salvadoran history, the airport seamlessly combines modern amenities with the inviting warmth of Salvadoran hospitality. It caters adeptly to the diverse needs of business and leisure travelers, offering a comprehensive network of flights to various destinations across the Americas and further afield. Compared to its Central America counterparts, it stands out for its passenger volume, consistently ranking among the top three in the region. It competes closely with other major airports in Costa Rica and Panama, reflecting its role as a domestic gateway and a significant player in the international aviation community.
Ilopango International Airport
Ilopango International Airport, identified by its IATA code ILS, is a key facility for domestic and international flights in El Salvador. It primarily caters to private flights, air taxis, and military operations near the capital, San Salvador. Over the years, the Ilopango Airport has also become a hub for aviation training and air shows, contributing to the local aviation community's growth and development. Its strategic location and range of services make it an important part of the country's aviation infrastructure, offering travelers and aviation professionals a functional and accessible airport option.