Tela Airport (TEA)

Tela Airport (TEA/MHTE) serves Honduras' premier Caribbean beach destination on the Atlántida Department's northern coast, operating at just 7 feet elevation with a newly extended 5,200-foot runway designated 6/24 that accommodates regional jets and turboprops. Inaugurated by President Juan Orlando Hernández in May 2015 after a $13 million modernization project, the airport transformed from a basic airstrip into a modern facility supporting both tourism and local transportation needs along Honduras' pristine Caribbean coastline.

The new terminal building completed in 2015 provides modern passenger processing areas with immigration and customs facilities, though the airport does not have Airport of Entry (AOE) status for international arrivals. Climate-controlled waiting areas offer respite from the tropical heat, while check-in counters and basic amenities support scheduled and charter operations. The facility maintains jet fuel services though availability can fluctuate, requiring operators to confirm supply status in advance.

Operational characteristics benefit from generally favorable Caribbean weather conditions, though the tropical monsoon climate brings afternoon thunderstorms and occasional hurricane threats during the June-November season. Northeast approaches over water provide scenic arrivals while hills southeast of the runway require careful navigation during marginal weather. Navigation aids include the La Mesa VOR-DME located 31 nautical miles southwest and Bonito VOR-DME 35 nautical miles east, supporting instrument approaches.

Strategic importance centers on providing essential aviation access to Honduras' Caribbean tourism corridor, including the pristine beaches of Tela Bay, Punta Sal National Park's protected mangroves and coral reefs, and the vibrant Garífuna cultural communities. The modernized airport enables economic development through improved connectivity while supporting emergency medical evacuations and disaster response capabilities for this hurricane-prone coastal region.