โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Palmerola International Airport opened in October 2021 as Honduras' modern international gateway, located 112km from Tegucigalpa and 6km from Comayagua. The airport features the third longest runway in Honduras at 8,009 feet, capable of handling wide-body aircraft. Free Palmerola Connect bus service operates daily between XPL and Toncontin Airport (TGU) at 5am, 9am, and 11am for travelers connecting to Tegucigalpa. The facility replaced the challenging Toncontin Airport for international flights, offering safer and more efficient operations for travelers to Central America.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ahuas Airport (AHS) is a vital domestic airfield located in the remote La Mosquitia region of the Gracias a Dios department in northeastern Honduras. Situated along the banks of the Patuca River, the airport serves as the primary logistical lifeline for the village of Ahuas and the surrounding Miskito indigenous communities. In a region where dense jungles and the lack of road infrastructure make ground travel nearly impossible, the airfield provides essential connectivity for the transport of people, critical medical supplies, and humanitarian aid from the national capital, Tegucigalpa.
The terminal experience at Ahuas is modest and practical, specifically tailored to support the mission of the nearby Clรญnica Evangรฉlica Morava (Moravian Medical Clinic). The small terminal building houses basic facilities including a check-in area, ticket counters, and a functional waiting room. Despite its remote setting, the facility provides essential conveniences such as a small restaurant serving local Honduran dishes, a gift shop, and restrooms. The layout is designed for rapid boarding, with the unpaved runway located just a short walk from the terminal entrance, allowing for efficient turnaround of the small turboprop and Cessna aircraft that frequent the field.
Operational stability at AHS is managed with a heavy emphasis on community service and humanitarian coordination. The airport is a major base for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and other regional charter operators like Aero sosa and Lanhsa, which facilitate emergency medical evacuations and provide a safe transit point for healthcare professionals and educators. The terminal area is often a focal point of village life, where arrivals are greeted by the local community and traditional Miskito maritime activities. For travelers, the airport represents the essential threshold to one of Central America's most isolated and biologically diverse frontiers, where the sounds of the Patuca River and the arrival of the morning mail flight define the pace of life.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Ahuas Airport (AHS) is a process that requires careful coordination with local charter operators and missionary organizations. Most passengers reach Ahuas via a scheduled or chartered domestic flight from Tegucigalpa Toncontรญn (TGU) or San Pedro Sula (SAP). If you are planning a connection to an international destination, you must first fly back to one of these major hubs. It is highly advisable to allow at least 24 to 48 hours of buffer time, as flights in the La Mosquitia region are frequently delayed or rescheduled due to the intense tropical weather, heavy rainfall, and the technical requirements of operating on unpaved runways.\n\nGround transportation from the Ahuas terminal is informal and typically involves local taxis or pre-arranged pickups by the Moravian Clinic or local lodges. For those heading to remote villages along the Patuca River, the "connection" shifts to motorized canoes (pipantes), which are the standard form of transport for both people and cargo in the Mosquito Coast. It is essential to coordinate your river transport in advance with a local guide, as on-demand boat services can be unpredictable. Travelers should also be aware that the region is strictly cash-based; while the terminal may have a basic ATM, it is often out of service, so you must carry sufficient Honduran Lempiras (HNL) for all your transport, meals, and local contributions. Additionally, ensure you have all necessary travel permits and health certificates, as the remote nature of the department means that medical and administrative support is only available at the central clinic in Ahuas.
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