El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
El Salvador International Airport (SAL), officially Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, is the main airport for San Salvador and a busy hub in Central America. Previously known as Comalapa International Airport, it sits about 40 km (25 miles) south of the city and handled over 4.5 million passengers in 2023.
This guide covers everything you will actually need at SAL, including lounges, Wi‑Fi, ATMs, shopping and dining, and other useful information, so you can move through the airport smoothly and spend less time worrying about logistics.
General Information about El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
Before diving into the layout and facilities, it is good to get familiar with the basic details and keep them on your fingertips.
| Airport Name | El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez |
| IATA Code | SAL |
| SAL Airport Address | Autopista Comalapa, Comalapa, El Salvador |
| Hub For | Avianca, Volaris El Salvador, Grupo TACA Holdings Limited, Veca Airlines |
| Coordinates | 13°26′27″N 89°03′20″W |
| Serves | San Salvador |
| Phone Number | +503 2367 9455 |
| Official Website | https://elsalvadorairport.com/ |
| Whatsapp Helpline | https://wa.me/50370708312 |
Know About the El Salvador Airport Terminal
El Salvador International Airport operates out of one main, two-level passenger terminal with 17 boarding gates. The facility includes a modern expansion featuring double-height lounges, jetways for wide-body aircraft, and a commercial area.
Gates 1 to 9 are on the lower level, while gates 10 to 17 are on the upper level. Several gates use direct boarding bridges, while remote gates utilize shuttle buses.
Major Airlines at El Salvador International Airport
The air carriers flying to San Salvador are:-
| Airline Name | IATA Code | Routes | Flights From |
| Avianca Airlines | AV | 26 | Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Bogota, Lima, Cancun, and more. |
| Aerolíneas Mas Airlines | N3 | 9 | Chicago, Houston, San Jose, New York, Mexico City, and more. |
| United Airlines | UA | 4 | Houston, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles |
| More Air Carriers | |||
| Spirit Airlines | Volaris Costa Rica | Aeromexico | Volaris |
| Delta Airlines | Iberia | Tag Airlines | Copa Airlines |
| American Airlines | Salam Air | – | – |
Check in at El Salvador Airport
To check in for a flight at SAL Airport, you must arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights and 2 hours prior to domestic flights. Always confirm exact counter opening and closing times with your specific airline.
- Online Check-in:- Most airlines allow you to check in via their website or mobile app starting 24 to 48 hours before your flight. This allows you to select seats and download your mobile boarding pass before reaching the airport.
- In-Person Check-in:- If you need to check hold luggage or are traveling with an airline that requires in-person document checks, proceed to the airline counters at the main terminal building.
What Are the SAL Airport Security Wait Times?
Security wait times at El Salvador International Airport generally range from 4 to 12 minutes, depending on the time of day. To check the real-time updates, it is recommended to visit the official website before heading to the airport.
Where is Baggage Claim at El Salvador Airport?
Taking back your luggage from the airport seems hectic! But the baggage claim at El Salvador International Airport is located in the main arrivals hall, following passport control. For international flights, the process to deplane, clear immigration, and retrieve checked luggage typically takes about an hour.
Facilities and Services at SAL Airport
El Salvador International Airport provides travelers with a range of helpful facilities to make the journey smoother.
Food And Drink Outlets
At El Salvador International Airport, you’ll find a mix of cafés, restaurants, and snack bars offering both local flavors and international options. Whether you want a quick coffee or a sit-down meal, there are choices to suit every traveler.
| Cafes & Coffee Shops | Claudys Cake, Bean of Fire, Snack Café, La Cocinita, The Coffee Cup, Juan Valdez, Starbucks, Tapacun, The Coffee Cup Bar 3, Gloria’s Coffee, and Cocina Café |
| Restaurants | Restaurante Nostalgia, Island Grab’n Go, La Habana, Gofres, Pizque, Pollo Campero, Celeste Imperio, Lizarran Latin Infusion Restaurant, Delight’s Restaurante & Bar, El Palmarcito, Tea Toya, and La K-fe |
| Fast Food Outlets | Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s |
| Sandwiches | Subway |
| Ice Cream Outlets | Mi Crepa, La Nevería, La Michoacana, and La Nevería |
| Cafe & Bar | Cadejo Brewing Company |
Shopping Stores
The airport has several shops where you can pick up souvenirs, travel essentials, or duty-free items. From local crafts to global brands, it’s a convenient spot to browse before your flight.
| Store Category | Store Names |
| Beauty Supply Store | Bath & Body Works |
| Book Store | International Magazine |
| Candy Store | Tia Toya |
| Clothing & Fashion | Merch, Pierre Cardin, Almacenes Montecarlo, St. Jack’s, Lacoste |
| Craft Store | Mayé Un Detalle Con Arte, Asociación Manos Amigas |
| Duty-Free Shops | El Dorado, Attenza, Luryx Duty Free SLV, CSC, Tienda Libre, Duty Free Americas |
| General Store | Nostalgia |
| Jewelry Store | Pandora, Exit |
| Outlet Mall | Airport Monseñor Romero Mall |
| Sunglasses Store | Sun Depot |
| General / Other Stores | AAC, Digicel, Havana Cigar And Co, Boquitas Diana |
Banking & ATMs
For financial needs, SAL Airport provides banking services and ATMs throughout the terminal. You can withdraw cash in USD, check balances, or handle transactions with ease before departure.
- Cajero Banco Agrícola
- Chivo
- ATMs
- Bac Credomatic
- Cajero
Premium Lounges at SAL Airport
Wanna relax before or after your long flight? You can easily access the well-facilitated lounges and enjoy your time at the airport.
Aeroconnections VIP Lounge
- Location:- Airside, after Security & Immigration, next to Gate 13
- Hours:- Open 24 hours daily
- Services:- Premium food and drinks, a la carte menu, complimentary alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, quiet/private rooms, telephone, fax, conference facilities, non-smoking
- Access:- Day Pass ($30), Priority Pass, Lounge Key
- Requirements:- Children under 5 free
- Stay Limit:- 5 hours
Aeroconnections VIP Lounge 2
- Location Airside, 2nd Floor near Gate 19
- Hours 04:30 – 00:00 daily
- Services:- Premium food and drinks, a la carte menu, Wi-Fi, quiet/private rooms, newspapers/magazines, telephone, fax, conference facilities, non-smoking; alcoholic drinks limited to 3 per adult
- Access:- Priority Pass, Lounge Key
- Requirements:- Children under 5 free
- Stay Limit:- 5 hours
Avianca Sala VIP
- Location: Main Terminal, Floor 1, in front of Gate 8
- Hours: 05:00 – 22:00 daily
- Services: Hot/cold beverages, snacks, spirits & liquor, Wi-Fi, showers, internet terminals, flight monitors, telephones, non-smoking
- Access:- Day Pass ($40)
El Salvador Airport Car Rentals
Renting a car at El Salvador International Airport is the easiest way to explore San Salvador and beyond. Public transport can be tricky, so having your own vehicle gives you flexibility and comfort right from the airport.
- Languages:- Spanish and English
- Speed Limits:- 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on open roads, 100 km/h on highways
- Country Code:- +503
- Driving Rules:- Drive on the right-hand side
- Currency:- U.S. Dollar (USD)
- Gas Prices:- Displayed per liter (1 gallon ≈ 3.78 liters)
Types of Cars
Daily rentals start around $40 USD, with options ranging from small economy cars to SUVs and vans. Weekly rentals often come with unlimited mileage at discounted rates.
| Car Type | Passengers | Example Model |
| Small Car | 1–3 | Kia Picanto or similar |
| Medium Car | 3–5 | Nissan Rogue or similar |
| Large Car | 3–5 | Toyota Corolla or similar |
| SUV | 5–7 | Kia Sportage or similar |
SAL Car Rental Companies
- Flexways:- Affordable rates from $40 USD, rating 8.5
- Avis:- Well-known brand, rates from $67 USD, rating 7.7
Insurance Coverage
For about $11/day, you can get full coverage insurance that protects against theft, exterior damage, windshield, mirrors, tires, towing, and even lockout charges.
Not covered:- interior damage, cleaning fees, third-party damages, or violations of the rental agreement.
El Salvador Airport Transportation
Private transfers are available from El Salvador International Airport to San Salvador and other destinations. You can book one-way or round-trip rides, with options for small groups or larger parties of up to 10 passengers. This service makes it easy to get straight to your hotel or downtown without worrying about local transit.
Airport to San Salvador
- Routes:- Covers all areas of downtown San Salvador and nearby neighborhoods
- Options:- Sedans (up to 4 passengers) or minivans (up to 10 passengers)
- Booking:- Available for both one-way and round-trip
Private Car
- Capacity:- 1–4 passengers
- Service:- One-way or round-trip transfers
- Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families
Minivan
- Capacity:- 3–10 passengers
- Service:- One-way or round-trip transfers
- Perfect for groups or larger families
Parking at El Salvador Airport
The airport offers different parking options depending on the duration and type of aircraft used. Rates vary for short-term, extended stays, and aircraft out of service.
Short-Term Parking
- Rate: $0.49 per ton, per period
Extended Parking
For an extended period, you can take advantage of this parking lot.
| Duration | Rate |
| 1–6 months | $1.47 per m² |
| 6–9 months | $1.73 per m² |
| 9–12 months | $2.03 per m² |
| 12–15 months | $2.40 per m² |
| 15–18 months | $2.83 per m² |
| 18–21 months | $3.33 per m² |
| 21–24 months | $3.93 per m² |
| Over 24 months | $0.43 per ton, per period |
Parking (Aircraft Out of Service)
The average rates are:-
| Duration | Rate |
| 1–30 days | $0.08 per m² |
| 1–6 months | $1.47 per m² |
| 6–9 months | $1.73 per m² |
| 9–12 months | $2.03 per m² |
| 12–15 months | $2.40 per m² |
| 15–18 months | $2.83 per m² |
| 18–21 months | $3.33 per m² |
| 21–24 months | $3.93 per m² |
| Over 24 months | $0.43 per ton, per period |
Lost and Found at SAL
If you misplace or discover an item at El Salvador International Airport, the Lost and Found Office is located at the main entrance. Staff there will help you recover or report belongings quickly.
You can also contact the office directly through WhatsApp at +503 70708312 for assistance. This service ensures travelers have a reliable way to reclaim items during their journey.
Last Words!
With the digital guide in hand, you can easily move around El Salvador International Airport. If you still feel confused, just dial the El Salvador International Airport Phone number and speak with one of the officials to get your queries resolved.
Bon Voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions!
The main and only international airport for scheduled commercial flights in the country is El Salvador International Airport (SAL).
Yes, El Salvador has dramatically improved its safety and is widely considered safe for tourists.
For commercial passenger flights, the country only has one international airport (SAL). However, there is a second airport, Ilopango International Airport, which is used for charter flights.
The airport is located at Aeropuerto Internacional, San Luis Talpa, El Salvador.