Central America and the Dominican Republic Launch Ambitious Airport Renovations

International airports play a fundamental role in trade, investment attraction, tourism, and global connectivity. In Central America, these transit hubs not only facilitate the flow of goods and services but also serve as gateways for millions of tourists eager to discover the cultural, natural, and culinary marvels this exceptional region offers.
Central America has established itself as one of the key connection points in the Americas, linking North and South while connecting two oceans through the strategic Panama Canal. With impressive tourism appeal, the region offers a diverse range of unique experiences that captivate travelers’ imaginations from all corners of the globe.
The region boasts 29 international airports that transport over 31 million air passengers annually, making it one of the most important hubs for cargo and passenger transport in the Western Hemisphere. Notably, in 2023, Central America and the Dominican Republic welcomed a total of 25.4 million visitors.
Amid this highly favorable context for tourism, the region has embarked on a journey to renovate its airports, positioning itself as an attractive, competitive destination capable of receiving travelers from all continents.
Belize
ADVERTISEMENT
Belize is set to undergo a monumental transformation with the renovation of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), a project involving a significant investment of $250 million. This modernization aims not only to enhance the facilities but also to unlock the airport’s full potential, enabling a greater influx of travelers and new flights.
Upgrades include new terminals, taxiways, bridges, shops, and a new entrance. The investment, planned over ten to fifteen years, anticipates PGIA becoming a benchmark for international travelers.
Guatemala
Recently, Guatemala announced a public-private partnership tender to improve La Aurora International Airport in the country’s capital. The project seeks to modernize and expand the airport facilities to increase operational capacity, enhance the passenger experience, and attract more international flights.
El Salvador
El Salvador continues its tourism expansion by improving infrastructure for international tourism. With its renovated and expanded international airport, it is now moving towards constructing the Pacific Airport in the country’s east, remodeling Ilopango Airport, and designing and building an airfield in Tonalá, with $320 million funded by CAF under the “El Salvador Vuela” program.
Honduras
Honduras began the remodeling and expansion of Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula in September last year. The project is on schedule to be ready by late October, with an official inauguration in December.
Additionally, the idyllic island of Roatan is moving forward with the expansion and renovation of Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. This project, with over $19 million in infrastructure investments and more than $3 million in maintenance, aims to modernize the facilities and position Roatan as an even more attractive and competitive international destination. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2025 as part of Honduras’ Airport Transformation Plan.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua, known for its lakes and volcanoes, is on the path to constructing the Punta Huete International Airport. This $400 million project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, is set to start in July. The airport will accommodate over three million passengers annually and feature a 3,600-meter runway for aircraft landings.
Panama
Panama has given the green light to a new modernization phase for its main airport, Tocumen. In June 2024 alone, Tocumen moved 1.6 million passengers. The airport is advancing with its runway tendering process, and the concession of Enrique A. Jiménez International Airport in Colón is set to implement services for cargo handling, logistics, and passengers. This development aims to revitalize the Colón Free Zone, boosting both commerce and shopping tourism.
Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez, located in Santo Domingo, will feature a new terminal. Construction is set to begin in 2025 with an investment of $250 million, providing a capacity of four million passengers annually.
Additionally, the island will soon start constructing the new Cabo Rojo Airport at a cost of $62.4 million. In its first phase, the project includes constructing a runway over 3 kilometers long, a taxiway, and parking platforms for aircraft. This new facility will serve the Pedernales tourism area, a sustainable project built from scratch in a pristine territory.
With these ambitious initiatives, Central America and the Dominican Republic aim not only to improve connectivity and passenger experience but also to boost the appeal of these destinations as epicenters of culture, nature, and adventure.
With a clear vision for the future, the region is ready to elevate its status as a world-class tourist destination.
For more information:
Visit Centro America