Aerial View of Comalapa El Salvador Airport

Comalapa El Salvador Airport SAL

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Comalapa El Salvador Airport (SAL) Guide

Discover Comalapa Airport, El Salvador's main international gateway, nestled near San Salvador. Known for its captivating mural that greets arrivals, it streamlines travel for all. This guide simplifies your journey through SAL, covering everything from flight updates to amenities. Navigate effortlessly with our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is San Luis Talpa Airport (SAL) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

Comalapa Airport has one terminal with a total of 10 gates. The terminal is divided into two levels: arrivals and departures. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Avianca use the terminal for their departures and arrivals. The terminal offers a range of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.

When arriving at the airport, follow the signs to the baggage claim area located on the lower level. After collecting your luggage, take the escalator or elevator to the upper level to find transportation options and services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and car rental agencies.

For departing flights, check the flight information display screens to locate your airline and corresponding gate number. After passing through security, you will find a variety of dining and shopping options to enjoy before your flight.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

SAL has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is easy to navigate and all gates are located in the same area, so passengers do not need to worry about transferring between terminals. If you need to walk between the arrival and departure areas, it should take no more than 10 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available outside the terminal building that can take you to nearby hotels or car rental offices. Taxis are also available outside the terminal building for those who prefer a more direct mode of transportation.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Comalapa El Salvador Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the curbside pick-up area located outside the arrivals area of the terminal. However, please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles will be towed away immediately.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free of charge and provides a convenient place to wait until your passenger arrives and is ready to be picked up. Once your passenger is ready, you can proceed to the curbside pick-up area to collect them.

Parking Facilities & Options

Comalapa Airport offers several parking options for travelers, including both on-airport and off-airport parking facilities. On-airport parking is available in two lots: the short-term lot and the long-term lot. The short-term lot is located directly in front of the terminal, making it a convenient option for those dropping off or picking up passengers. The long-term lot is located a short distance from the terminal, but a shuttle service is available to transport passengers to and from the lot.

For those who prefer to wait for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call before proceeding to the terminal.

Handicapped parking is available in both the short-term and long-term lots, with designated spaces located close to the terminal entrance.

Off-airport parking is also available near SAL, providing an economical option for travelers. These facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and often provide additional services such as car washes and oil changes.

Get details about SAL Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and National. Rental counters are located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Taxi services are also available, with drop-off areas located outside of the arrivals area. Fares are regulated by the government and are based on zones. The fare to San Salvador, the capital city, is approximately $30.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not currently available at Comalapa El Salvador Airport.

Airport shuttles are available for transportation to nearby hotels and destinations. These shuttles can be booked in advance or upon arrival at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the destination.

Public transportation options include buses and microbuses. These can be found outside of the airport terminal and offer affordable transportation to various destinations throughout El Salvador.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Our comprehensive guide features a variety of hotels that cater to every traveler's needs and preferences. From the Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto San Salvador and Argueta Hotel to the Pato Canales Hotel & Resort and Mi Tierra Hotel y Restaurante, you'll find a range of options within close proximity to the airport. For a homier experience, consider the Cozy 2 bedroom Home or explore further afield with options like Papi's Fish Camp, Kosagua, Anais casa de mar, Rancho Marvista, and Amaremar. Discover the perfect accommodation for your stay here.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

SAL Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, there's something for everyone.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to Pupuseria El Buen Gusto, located in the departures area. This restaurant serves up delicious pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made with corn tortillas and filled with cheese, beans, and/or meat. Another great option is La Pausa, which offers a mix of international and Salvadoran cuisine.

If you're in the mood for a quick bite, there are several fast food options available, including McDonald's and Subway. For a caffeine fix, there's a Starbucks located in the arrivals area.

When it comes to shopping, there are a variety of stores to choose from. Duty-free shops offer a range of products, including liquor, tobacco, and cosmetics. For souvenirs and gifts, head to Tienda de Artesanías, which sells handmade crafts and artwork from local artisans.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

Comalapa Airport provides a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found department can assist you in locating your belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport offers designated children's play areas to keep your little ones entertained before your flight.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible facilities.

For your convenience, there are banking services located within the airport terminal.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center on-site with trained professionals ready to assist you.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at Metropolitan Oakland Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancelations, and even change your seat or upgrade your ticket. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Metropolitan Oakland Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at SAL at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid arriving during those times if possible. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline for any specific recommendations on arrival time.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to SAL Airport is by car or taxi. There are also several shuttle services available that can take you directly to the airport. If you are driving, be sure to leave plenty of time for traffic and parking. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options.

Getting Oriented

The airport has an interactive airport map available on iFly.com that can help you get oriented before your flight. The map includes information on all of the airport's terminals, gates, and amenities. You can also use the map to find your way to baggage claim, rental car counters, and ground transportation options.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Comalapa El Salvador Airport, be sure to check in online before your flight and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. It is also a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing any prohibited items in your carry-on or checked luggage. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status and any weather conditions that may affect your travel plans.

Airport Facts & Stats

SAL, also known as SAL, is the main international airport in El Salvador. The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at SAL Airport are Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. On average, the airport handles around 10,000 passengers daily and has around 100 daily flights.

The airport serves over 30 destinations in North and Central America, South America, and Europe. The top 5 destinations served by the airport are San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and Miami.

Comalapa El Salvador Airport is a hub for Avianca, the largest airline in Central America. Other air carriers that use the airport as a hub include Copa Airlines and Volaris.

Airport History

Comalapa Airport, also known as Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, is the main airport in El Salvador. Here are some significant events in its history:

  • 1970: The airport was officially opened as Ilopango International Airport.
  • 1980s: The airport was renamed to Comalapa International Airport and underwent major renovations.
  • 1998: The airport was renamed again to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport in honor of the slain Archbishop of San Salvador.
  • 2003: The airport underwent another renovation to expand and modernize its facilities.
  • 2012: The airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 2018: The airport was temporarily closed due to damage from a 6.6 magnitude earthquake.
  • 2020: The airport implemented new health and safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about El Salvador International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SAL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +503 2367-8000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: El Salvador International Airport, Km. 40 1/2 Carretera al Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador, San Luis Talpa, La Paz, El Salvador

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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