Honduras Airports: The Complete Guide

United Airlines and Aeromexico on the tarmac at San Pedro Sula Airport Ramon Villeda Morales SAP

Honduras, strategically nestled in the heart of Central America, boasts an aviation infrastructure that serves as a testament to its evolving role in regional and international travel. The country’s airport system, encompassing international and domestic airports, provides vital connectivity to its varied landscapes – from bustling cities to serene beaches and dense rainforests.

The main international airports, including Ramón Villeda Morales in San Pedro Sula, Toncontín in Tegucigalpa, the new Palmerola Airport in Comayagua, Juan Manuel Gálvez in Roatán and Goloson in La Ceiba, underscore Honduras’s commitment to welcoming global travelers and facilitating business liaisons.

Beyond the primary hubs, numerous domestic airports and airstrips dot the nation, ensuring that even the more remote and picturesque locales are accessible by air. This cohesive network is integral for tourism and fostering economic growth, trade, and regional integration.

How many airports does Honduras have?

Honduras has a network of eleven airports, six international airports and five for domestic operations. These airports are strategically located nationwide to ensure efficient connectivity to tourist destinations and business hubs.

The best airport to fly into Honduras and why

Choosing the right airport to fly into Honduras hinges on several crucial factors, tailoring your travel experience to your needs. Some of the factors to take into consideration are:

  • Availability of direct routes: some airports might offer routes with direct flights or with more frequent flight options from your departure city, potentially leading to cheaper or more convenient travel experiences.
  • Destination proximity: depending on your final destination or the primary places you intend to visit, choose the airport closest to that region.
  • Getting to and from the airport: Consider the availability and convenience of ground transportation from the airport to your accommodation or other destinations. This includes taxis, buses, rental car services, and road quality.
  • Weather and seasonality: Some airports might be more prone to weather-related disruptions, especially during certain seasons. For instance, coastal airports might face disruptions during the hurricane season.

Here’s a rundown of which airport to fly into Honduras considering places to visit:

  • Bay Islands, Roatan, or Utila: Roatán International Airport, with direct flights from Miami, Houston, and Atlanta.
  • San Pedro Sula, Puerto Cortes, and Copan or the north coast: Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, with direct flights from Miami, Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, Mexico, Madrid, and several cities in Central America.
  • Tegucigalpa, Comayagua, and the central-south region: Palmerola International Airport, with direct flights from Miami, Houston, Madrid, and several cities in Central America.
  • La Ceiba, north coast: Goloson International Airport, limited to international flights from the Cayman Islands.

What is the major airport in Honduras?

The major airport in Honduras is Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, the busiest in the country.

Which airlines fly to Honduras?

Honduras is well-connected to North America and other parts of the world through various airlines. Whether flying from the United States, Europe, or other regions, you’ll have numerous options.

Domestic Airlines

  • Aerolineas Sosa
  • Aviatsa
  • LAHNSA

International airlines

Flight time to Honduras

The flight time to Honduras varies depending on your departure city. Here are some approximate non-stop flight times from major cities in the United States to the three primary international airports in Honduras:

  • Miami to San Pedro Sula SAP: 2h 30min.
  • Houston to San Pedro Sula SAP: 2h 53 min.
  • Atlanta to San Pedro Sula SAP: 3h 33 min.
  • Miami to Comayagua XPL: 3h
  • Houston to Comayagua XPL: 3h 5 min.
  • Fort-Lauderdale to Comayagua XPL: 2h 52 min.
  • Miami to Roatan RTB: 2h 26 min.
  • Houston to Roatan RTB: 2h 49 min.
  • Atlanta to Roatan RTB: 3h 14 min.

These are approximate flight times and may vary based on factors such as weather conditions, routes, and layovers.

List of airports in Honduras

Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport / San Pedro Sula Airport

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport, commonly called San Pedro Sula Airport, is the major international gateway to the northern region of Honduras. Located near the country’s second-largest city, San Pedro Sula, this airport plays a pivotal role in connecting Honduras with the rest of the world, handling a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic.

San Pedro Sula Airport’s strategic location makes it particularly popular for business travelers. San Pedro Sula, often dubbed the ‘Industrial Capital’ of Honduras, is a major commercial and manufacturing hub. The airport’s proximity to the city’s business districts and efficient connectivity to major American cities solidifies its position as a crucial hub for corporate travel within Central America.

Airlines operating at San Pedro Sula Airport offer direct flights to several U.S. cities, including Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Orlando, and connections to other Central American capitals and major cities. This wide range of destinations facilitates international tourism and strengthens trade and business relations between Honduras and its key partners.

The San Pedro Sula Airport code is SAP (IATA), and its counterpart ICAO code is MHLM.

Palmerola International Airport / Comayagua Airport

The much-anticipated Palmerola International Airport, also known as the Aeropuerto Internacional de Palmerola, marks a new era for air travel in Honduras. Located approximately 44 miles north of Tegucigalpa, the nation’s capital, Palmerola is set to reshape the aviation landscape of Honduras by serving as a modern, state-of-the-art hub that promises safety, efficiency, and enhanced connectivity for travelers.

Palmerola’s establishment has a backstory of strategic planning. Though iconic, the older Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa posed challenges due to its short runway and mountainous surroundings. The development of Palmerola, with its longer runway and advanced facilities, ensures that larger aircraft can land easily, reducing the risks associated with air travel in the region. This strategic move showcases Honduras’ commitment to enhancing its aviation safety standards and meeting international benchmarks.

The airport boasts various modern amenities and services that aim to elevate the passenger experience. From spacious lounges, duty-free shopping zones, and gourmet dining options to advanced baggage handling systems and efficient customs procedures, Palmerola has left no stone unturned to ensure travelers a seamless journey. Inspired by contemporary architectural aesthetics, its design beautifully encapsulates the spirit of modern Honduras while paying homage to its rich cultural heritage.

With its strategic location in the heart of Central America, Palmerola International Airport aims to become a key transit point for travelers flying between North and South America. Several airlines have already expressed interest in operating from this airport, hinting at a diverse range of destinations shortly. Its proximity to major Honduran cities and tourist hotspots also makes it an ideal gateway for tourists keen on exploring the wonders of Honduras.

In essence, Palmerola International Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a vision of Honduras’ future. As it stands tall in the picturesque Comayagua Valley, it symbolizes the nation’s aspirations to be recognized as a major player in global aviation while boosting tourism and reinforcing trade ties. This airport is poised to be the cornerstone of Honduras’ aviation renaissance, driving growth and progress for years.

The Palmerola International Airport code is XPL (IATA), and its counterpart ICAO code is MHPR.

Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport / Roatan Airport

Nestled amidst the vibrant Caribbean waters, Roatan, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, boasts an enchanting mix of sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and mesmerizing coral reefs. Serving as the primary gateway to this island paradise is the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, more commonly known as Roatan Airport. Strategically situated on the island’s western side, this airport is the first touchpoint for many eager tourists keen on delving into Roatan’s wonders.

Roatan International Airport is among the busiest airports in Honduras, particularly during the peak tourist season. Its significance stems from Roatan’s status as a premier tourist destination, especially for diving enthusiasts drawn to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Though not as vast as some major international hubs, the airport is adequately equipped to handle the inflow of domestic and international travelers. It has undergone several upgrades to meet its passengers’ evolving needs and ensure their travel experience remains smooth.

Direct flights to Roatan Airport hail from several key cities in the US, such as Houston, Atlanta, and Miami, operated by airlines including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. These direct connections have been pivotal in promoting Roatan as a convenient vacation destination for US travelers. Additionally, regional flights connecting Roatan to other Central American destinations and major Honduran cities make the island accessible to a broader spectrum of travelers.

Roatan Airport plays an indispensable role in Honduras’ tourism sector, bridging the gap between the world and the idyllic landscapes of Roatan. It stands as a testament to the country’s efforts to nurture and promote its Caribbean treasure, ensuring that travelers, whether they come for the sun, sea, or the vibrant underwater world, start their journey on a positive note.

The Roatan Airport code is RTB (IATA), and its counterpart ICAO code is MHRO.

Toncontin International Airport  / Tegucigalpa Airport

Toncontín International Airport, nestled within the mountainous contours of Tegucigalpa, is emblematic of Honduras’ aviation history. This airport, known for its challenging approach due to the surrounding highlands, is a testament to the country’s rich aviation heritage. Over the years, Toncontín has been etched into the minds of pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike for its unique topography and consequential landing and takeoff demands.

Established as one of Central America’s longest-standing airports, it’s undergone numerous modernizations through the decades to align with evolving aviation standards. Its architecture and layout echo remnants of a bygone era, even as newer facilities were incorporated. The airport once catered to international and domestic travelers, drawing many passengers ranging from business professionals to curious tourists.

The evolution of aviation infrastructure in Honduras changed the airport’s operations. With the inauguration of Palmerola International Airport, which now serves as the primary international gateway, Toncontín’s role has evolved. The major commercial airlines, including American, Delta Airlines, and United, transitioned their operations to Palmerola, thus redefining Toncontín’s operational dynamics.

While it no longer plays the role of Tegucigalpa’s primary international gateway, Toncontín remains an essential facet of Honduras’ aviation tapestry. It predominantly serves domestic flights now, ensuring connectivity within the nation. Its storied history and unparalleled geographical uniqueness ensure it remains an iconic figure in Central American aviation narratives.

While the heydays of bustling international operations at Toncontín might have transitioned to Palmerola, the airport’s legacy remains intact. Toncontín stands as a symbol of the journey of aviation in Honduras – from its early days to the contemporary era, encapsulating stories, memories, and the relentless spirit of Honduran aviation.

The Toncontin Airport code is TGU (IATA), and its counterpart ICAO code is MHTG.

Goloson International Airport  / La Ceiba Airport

Golosón Airport, positioned in the vibrant coastal city of La Ceiba, is more than just an airstrip — a critical nexus connecting Honduras’ Caribbean coast to the broader world. This airport is strategically located and enables travelers to access some of the most idyllic spots in Honduras, like the Bay Islands and the Pico Bonito National Park. Golosón is integral for tourists keen on exploring the beaches and locals commuting for work or leisure.

Historically, Golosón Airport has acted as a critical entry and exit point for the northern region of Honduras. The facility boasts modern architecture with elements that pay homage to the city’s vibrant heritage. It’s well-equipped to handle domestic and international flights, making it a popular choice for travelers journeying to and from the Caribbean coast. Moreover, it is a significant hub for domestic flights, ensuring that Honduras’ northern territories remain seamlessly connected to the rest of the country.

Several airlines operate out of Golosón, providing an array of choices for travelers. Domestic airlines make regular trips to key Honduran cities like San Pedro Sula, Roatan and Tegucigalpa, ensuring that La Ceiba remains well-integrated with the nation’s broader air network. However, its international network has reduced throughout the years.

La Ceiba, as a city, is often regarded as the “Eco-Adventure Capital” of Honduras, given its proximity to numerous natural attractions. As such, Golosón Airport becomes the starting point for many eco-tourism ventures, with travelers landing here before embarking on journeys into the lush rainforests or diving excursions in the nearby waters. With its facilities, the airport ensures visitors have a smooth start to their Honduran adventure.

Golosón Airport in La Ceiba is not merely a transportation hub but a gateway to Honduras’s diverse experiences. With its rich history, modern amenities, and pivotal geographical location, it remains a cornerstone of Honduran aviation, playing an indispensable role in the nation’s connectivity and tourism landscape.

The La Ceiba Airport code is LCE (IATA), and its counterpart ICAO code is MHLC.

Puerto Lempira Airport

Puerto Lempira Airport (IATA: PEU ICAO: MHPL), this unpaved landing strip is in Puerto Lempira, serving the remote eastern region of Honduras known as La Mosquitia.

Utila Airport

Utila Airport (IATA: UII, ICAO: MHUT) is the primary airstrip for Utila Island, part of the Bay Islands.  

Guanaja Airport

Guanaja Airport (IATA: GJA, ICAO: MHNJ) is the primary airstrip for Guanaja Island, part of the Bay Islands.  

Copan Ruinas Airport / Rio Amarillo Airport

Copan Ruinas Airport (IATA: RUY, ICAO: MHRU) serves the city of Copan Ruinas.

Tela Airport

Tela Airport (IATA: TEA, ICAO: MHTE) serves the coastal town of Tela; this airport provides convenient access to the nearby beaches and natural attractions.

Honduras travel requirements

Reviewing the travel requirements for Honduras before embarking on your trip is crucial. It ensures a smooth journey by preventing unexpected complications like visa issues or quarantines. Especially in a rapidly changing global scenario, like post-COVID-19, being updated on the latest regulations is essential for compliance, safety, and a hassle-free travel experience.

Featured Image: Image by wirestock on Freepik