Ruth Haines
El Salvador's airport was closed to all international arrivals on March 18, 2020, with the exception of humanitarian, medevac, or repatriation flights. The country's president announced that the economy would begin to reopen on June 16, 2020, following a strict lockdown. However, the authorities maintained COVID-19-related travel restrictions until November 22, 2021, when most of these restrictions were lifted. El Salvador's borders finally reopened for international flights on September 19, 2020, with incoming passengers required to show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | September 19, 2020 |
| Airport name | El Salvador International Airport (SAL) |
| Other names | San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport; Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport |
| Airlines resuming flights | United, Spirit, American Airlines, Delta, COPA, Air Canada, Iberia |
| COVID-19 protocols | Temperature screening, mandatory face masks, sanitizing stations, social distancing |
| COVID-19 test requirements | Negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old |
| Date of closure | March 18, 2020 |
| Reason for closure | COVID-19 pandemic |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- El Salvador's airport closed to all international arrivals in March 2020
- The airport reopened for international flights on 19 September 2020
- Travellers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight
- Airlines reactivated flights to El Salvador in September and October 2020
- The country's economy began to reopen on 16 June 2020
El Salvador's airport closed to all international arrivals in March 2020
The airport closure was extended multiple times, with non-resident foreign nationals barred from entry until further notice. Returning Salvadoran citizens and residents were subject to strict quarantine measures upon their arrival. The suspension of international passenger flights was in place until at least April 19, 2020.
During this time, port operations continued with restrictions, and freight forwarders were allowed to have personnel over 60 years old, provided they had the necessary permits to handle and transfer dangerous materials. This was to ensure the continuity of the supply chain and avoid shortages of goods and services in the country.
Finally, on September 19, 2020, El Salvador officially reopened its borders to international tourism. The San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport implemented heightened biosecurity and health protocols, including temperature screening, mandatory face masks, sanitizing stations, and social distancing. All nations that could visit El Salvador before the pandemic were once again allowed entry, provided they met the normal visa entry requirements.
PBI Airport: What Does This Abbreviation Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport reopened for international flights on 19 September 2020
On 19 September 2020, El Salvador reopened its borders to international flights, allowing foreign tourists to enter the country for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The airport, San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport, had been closed to all international arrivals since 18 March, except for humanitarian, medevac, or repatriation flights.
The reopening of the airport and resumption of international flights were part of El Salvador's efforts to restart its tourism industry, which usually attracted around 1.7 million tourists annually. All nations that could visit El Salvador before the pandemic were once again allowed entry, provided they complied with the necessary visa requirements.
To ensure the safety of travellers and staff, the airport implemented heightened biosecurity and health protocols. These included temperature screening for all passengers, mandatory face masks, sanitizing stations, and social distancing enforcement. Additionally, passengers were required to provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Anyone arriving without a valid negative test was denied entry.
The resumption of international flights and the implementation of health protocols were welcomed by airlines and passengers alike. Airlines such as United, Spirit, American Airlines, Delta, COPA, Air Canada, and Iberia resumed their flights to El Salvador, offering both direct and connecting options for travellers. The Avianca Lounge at the Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport also reopened, providing a safe and comfortable space for passengers to wait for their flights.
Stay Alerted About Airport Delays: Get Timely Notifications
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travellers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight
El Salvador reopened its borders to international flights on September 19, 2020, following a closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All nations that could visit El Salvador before the pandemic were able to enter the country again. However, travellers must adhere to specific requirements.
Firstly, travellers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight. This rule applies to all incoming passengers, and those without a valid negative test will be denied entry. This measure was implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of both travellers and locals. It is important to note that the requirement for a negative PCR test may change as the situation evolves, so travellers should stay updated with the latest information from official sources.
The San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport, also known as the Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport, has implemented heightened biosecurity and health protocols. These include temperature screening for all passengers, mandatory face masks, easily accessible sanitizing stations, and enforced social distancing. These measures are designed to provide a safe and healthy environment for travellers and staff alike. It is recommended that travellers arriving at the airport keep their masks on at all times and maintain a safe distance from others whenever possible.
In addition to the negative PCR test requirement, travellers should be aware of other important considerations. All normal visa entry requirements remain in effect, so travellers must ensure that they have the necessary visas or travel authorizations. It is also advisable to have a changeable or refundable ticket when booking a commercial flight to El Salvador, as the situation can be unpredictable, and flight schedules may change. Furthermore, travellers should be prepared for potential COVID-19-related travel restrictions or requirements that may be in place, such as quarantine measures or additional health screenings upon arrival.
As El Salvador continues to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers must stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines. While the country has reopened its borders to international flights, the situation remains fluid, and changes may occur. It is essential to follow official sources and stay connected with local news or travel advisories to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.
Auckland Airport: Curfew Rules and Their Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.9
Airlines reactivated flights to El Salvador in September and October 2020
El Salvador International Airport (SAL) officially reopened its borders for international flights on 19 September 2020. The airport had been closed to all international arrivals since 18 March 2020, with the exception of humanitarian, medevac, or repatriation flights.
On 10 September 2020, the government of El Salvador announced that the country would reopen its air borders and allow international flights to resume on 19 September 2020. All nations that could visit El Salvador before the COVID-19 pandemic would be able to enter the country again. Normal visa entry requirements would still be in effect, and travellers would have to provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight.
United, Spirit, and American Airlines were scheduled to resume flights to El Salvador in September 2020, with Delta and COPA returning in October 2020. Air Canada resumed its direct flight from Toronto, and Iberia resumed direct flights from Madrid. Avianca, the largest airline operating in the country, also restarted its international operations from El Salvador on 19 September 2020, with additional destinations scheduled for October, including Mexico City, Cancun, and Dallas.
As airline activity reactivated and travel frequency increased, Avianca and LifeMiles reopened their Avianca Lounge at the Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport on 2 September 2021. The lounge offers a safe and comfortable space for passengers to wait for their flights, with biosecurity measures in place to ensure a reduced spread of COVID-19.
Airport Food: Overpriced or Worth the Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The country's economy began to reopen on 16 June 2020
On 16 June 2020, El Salvador began the first phase of reopening its economy. This came after President Nayib Bukele ended the nationwide lockdown on 13 June 2020, encouraging residents to maintain a voluntary lockdown until 16 June. The country's main Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (MSLP/SAL) was set to reopen on 6 August, with airlines such as United, Spirit, and American Airlines resuming flights in September.
The reopening of El Salvador's economy and airports was a gradual process, with the government implementing and enforcing restrictive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The health minister stated that an increase in COVID-19 cases was expected as authorities lifted restrictions. As of June 2020, 90 out of 105 intensive care beds in El Salvador were occupied.
International flights to El Salvador were initially closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of humanitarian, medevac, or repatriation flights. The country's borders officially reopened for international tourism on 19 September 2020, with airlines reactivating their services.
To ensure the safety of passengers, the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport implemented heightened biosecurity and health protocols, including temperature screening, mandatory face masks, sanitizing stations, and social distancing. These measures aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide a safe travel experience for passengers.
Denver Airport Train: Running Smoothly or Off Track?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
El Salvador's airport reopened for international flights on September 19, 2020.
The name of the airport in El Salvador is the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport, also known as the Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport.
As of September 2020, all incoming passengers must provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight.
Yes, El Salvador implemented some of the strictest pandemic measures in the region, including closing borders, imposing a national quarantine, and enforcing travel restrictions.
United, Spirit, American Airlines, Delta, COPA, Air Canada, and Iberia are among the airlines that have resumed or plan to resume flights to El Salvador.
