El Salvador International Airport (SAL) San Luis Talpa
El Salvador International Airport (SAL), officially Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (AIES-SOARG), is El Salvador’s principal international airport. It is located in San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador, on the Comalapa Highway, serving the San Salvador metropolitan area and international destinations across the Americas and Europe. The airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
El Salvador International Airport at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | El Salvador International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez |
| Common name | El Salvador International Airport / San Salvador International Airport |
| IATA code | SAL |
| ICAO code | MSLP |
| Location | San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador |
| Address | Autopista Comalapa, San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador |
| Nearest major city | San Salvador |
| Airport type | International airport |
| Operator | Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA) |
| Opening | 1980 |
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Passenger terminals | 2 principal passenger terminal buildings (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), with a new dedicated arrivals terminal added in 2026 |
| Runway | Main runway 07/25; approximately 3,200 m long |
| Time zone | Central Standard Time (UTC−6), with no seasonal daylight-saving change |
| Currency | United States dollar (USD) |
| Website | Official CEPA – El Salvador International Airport |
| Wikipedia | El Salvador International Airport – Wikipedia |
How Many Terminals Does El Salvador International Airport Have?
Answer: 2 main passenger terminal buildings, plus the new arrivals facility
The airport’s passenger infrastructure is commonly described as:
- Terminal 1 — the principal/older passenger terminal building.
- Terminal 2 — the newer passenger terminal building inaugurated in 2022, adding five gates and additional passenger-processing capacity.
- New Terminal de Llegadas (Arrivals Terminal) — inaugurated in June 2026 and specifically designed to improve the arrival experience.
El Salvador International Airport Contact Details
| Contact type | Official/current information |
| Airport | El Salvador International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez |
| IATA | SAL |
| ICAO | MSLP |
| Airport location | San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador |
| Airport telephone / CEPA PBX | +503 2375-2520 |
| Official WhatsApp | +503 7070-8312 |
| Lost & Found | +503 2375-2457 — 24 hours |
| Official CEPA website | CEPA – El Salvador International Airport |
| Airport information page | Airport El Salvador – CEPA |
| CEPA contact page | Contact CEPA |
| CEPA central office | Bulevar de los Héroes, Edificio Torre Roble, Metrocentro, San Salvador, El Salvador |
| CEPA central telephone | +503 2537-1300 |
| CEPA official email | [email protected] |
| Wikipedia | El Salvador International Airport – Wikipedia |
Emergency and Important Telephone Numbers
For emergencies, travelers should use the country’s official emergency services rather than relying solely on an airport information number.
| Emergency / service | Number | When to use |
| General emergency | 911 | Police, fire or urgent emergency assistance |
| Medical Emergency System (SEM) | 132 | Urgent medical/ambulance assistance |
| Airport Lost & Found | +503 2375-2457 | Lost or found property at SAL; 24-hour number |
| Airport switchboard | +503 2375-2520 | Airport/general operational inquiries |
| Airport official WhatsApp | +503 7070-8312 | Flights, airport services, directions, lost property and general passenger assistance |
| CEPA central office | +503 2537-1300 | CEPA institutional inquiries |
Other Useful Airport Contacts
| Service | Contact |
| Parking – general/VIP information | +503 2375-2408 / +503 2375-2409 |
| Parking outside office hours | +503 2375-2520 / +503 7070-8319 |
| VIP Lounge | +503 2375-2599 / +503 7070-8097 |
| Lost & Found | +503 2375-2457, 24 hours |
| Official airport WhatsApp | +503 7070-8312 |
| CEPA central switchboard | +503 2537-1300 |
Frequently Asked Questions — El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
What is the airport code for El Salvador International Airport?
The IATA airport code is SAL and the ICAO code is MSLP. The airport is officially named Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez.
How many terminals does El Salvador International Airport have?
SAL has two principal passenger terminal buildings, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. In addition, a new dedicated Terminal de Llegadas (Arrivals Terminal) opened in 2026. This is why some sources may simply say “two terminals,” while current airport information also refers separately to the new arrivals terminal.
Is El Salvador International Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. CEPA states that the airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the official website of El Salvador International Airport?
The airport is operated by CEPA (Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma). The official airport information is available through CEPA’s El Salvador International Airport page.
What is the phone number for El Salvador International Airport?
The official CEPA directory lists the airport switchboard as +503 2375-2520.
What is the official WhatsApp number for SAL airport?
The airport’s official WhatsApp number is +503 7070-8312. It can be used for general airport assistance, flight information, airport-service questions, directions and Lost & Found inquiries.
What is the Lost & Found number at El Salvador International Airport?
The official Lost & Found telephone number is +503 2375-2457, available 24 hours. The Lost & Found office is located in the lobby of the main entrance.
What should I call in an emergency at SAL?
For an immediate emergency in El Salvador, call 911. For urgent medical/ambulance assistance, the national Emergency Medical System uses 132.
Where is El Salvador International Airport located?
The airport is located in San Luis Talpa, Department of La Paz, El Salvador, along the Comalapa Highway. It serves the San Salvador area.
Is SAL the same as San Salvador International Airport?
Yes. El Salvador International Airport is commonly referred to as San Salvador International Airport because it is the principal international airport serving San Salvador, although the airport itself is geographically located in San Luis Talpa, La Paz.
How far is SAL from San Salvador?
The airport is approximately 50 km by road from San Salvador, depending on the exact destination and route.
Does SAL have a new arrivals terminal?
Yes. El Salvador inaugurated a new Terminal de Llegadas in June 2026. It expanded immigration, baggage handling, customs and passenger pickup facilities.
How many immigration counters does SAL have?
The modernized airport now has 73 immigration positions, including 34 new positions added through the new arrivals terminal.
How many check-in counters are there at SAL?
The airport currently has 122 check-in positions/counters for departing passengers.
Does SAL have medical services?
Yes. CEPA states that the airport has an Airport Medical Unit operating 24 hours.
Does El Salvador International Airport have parking?
Yes. SAL provides general and VIP parking. CEPA currently lists general parking at a maximum of US$6 per day and VIP parking at US$12 per day or fraction, although travelers should verify current rates before relying on them.