Palmerola International Airport (XPL)

Palmerola International Airport operates through an impressive 40,000-square-meter, three-level passenger terminal that officially opened on October 15, 2021, with the first commercial flight arriving from Houston via Spirit Airlines on December 11, 2021. This state-of-the-art facility serves as Honduras' new primary international gateway, designed to efficiently handle approximately 1.5 million passengers annually while replacing the operationally challenging Toncontin Airport for international operations. The terminal building features 13 modern boarding gates including 7 equipped with jet bridges and 6 remote positions, supported by 6 fixed boarding bridges plus one MARS position enabling up to 7 simultaneous aircraft boarding operations. Passenger processing capabilities include 40 check-in counters, 17 self-service check-in stations, 34 immigration control posts, and 3 baggage carousels, all designed to accommodate the growing international traffic to Central America with enhanced efficiency and safety standards. Commercial amenities within the terminal encompass 45 retail and dining establishments, VIP lounges, comprehensive WiFi internet access throughout the facility, and duty-free shopping areas that cater to international travelers. The airport incorporates sustainable design elements including solar panels for clean energy generation and maintains advanced security systems featuring 145 cameras and cutting-edge X-ray technology to ensure passenger safety and operational security. Ground access infrastructure includes extensive parking facilities with 1,200 spaces designated for passengers, taxis, buses, and rental vehicles accessible from CA-5 highway, along with the innovative free Palmerola Connect bus service providing scheduled transportation to Tegucigalpa. The facility's strategic location 112 kilometers from the capital and 6 kilometers from Comayagua, combined with cargo terminal capabilities handling approximately 20,000 tons annually, positions Palmerola as Honduras' premier aviation hub for both passenger and freight operations.