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Ilopango International Airport Coastal & Island Airport illustrationCoastal & Island Airport
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ILSmedium airport

Ilopango International Airport

San Salvador, El Salvador
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MSSS
ICAO
2027 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

El Salvador's historic military and general aviation airport.

Opened
1920
Location
San Salvador, El Salvador
Ilopango International Airport (IATA: ILS, ICAO: MSSS) is located in Ilopango, a municipality east of San Salvador, El Salvador. It sits adjacent to Lake Ilopango and has historically served as a military airbase as well as a hub for general aviation and cargo operations. For much of its history, Ilopango was the primary international gateway for El Salvador before Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (formerly Comalapa) took over commercial international traffic. Today, Ilopango primarily supports military operations under the Salvadoran Air Force, along with some domestic and private aviation activity. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 2,021 feet (616 meters) above sea level and features a single runway. Its location close to the urban center of San Salvador made it historically significant, though expansion was limited by surrounding geography.
Getting to & from
The airport is accessible by road from central San Salvador, approximately 8–10 kilometers to the east.
Airlines here
Ilopango does not currently host scheduled commercial airline service, as major carriers operate from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›Served as El Salvador's primary international airport before Comalapa Airport opened in 1979.
  • ›Located adjacent to the volcanic Lake Ilopango, east of San Salvador.
  • ›Currently functions mainly as a Salvadoran Air Force base.
  • ›Has a single runway at an elevation of approximately 2,021 feet (616 m).
  • ›Played a strategic military role during the Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992).
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

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Routes

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City & Place Guide

Vibrant capital where history, culture, and resilience converge

San Salvador, the capital and largest city of El Salvador, is a dynamic metropolis nestled in a valley surrounded by volcanoes. Despite its turbulent past, the city has reinvented itself as a hub of culture, gastronomy, and entrepreneurship, offering travelers an authentic Central American urban experience without the heavy tourist crowds.

The city blends colonial architecture with modern neighborhoods like Zona Rosa and Colonia Escalón, where upscale restaurants, galleries, and nightlife thrive. Street art, bustling markets, and a warm, welcoming population make San Salvador a surprisingly rewarding destination for curious travelers willing to look beyond its rough reputation.

  • •Metropolitan Cathedral — iconic neo-baroque landmark and tomb of Archbishop Óscar Romero
  • •El Boquerón National Park — hike the rim of Santa Ana volcano for panoramic views
  • •National Palace — stunning early-20th-century architecture and Salvadoran political history
  • •Mercado Central — sensory overload of fresh produce, street food, and local crafts
  • •MARTE Museum — leading fine arts museum showcasing Salvadoran and Latin American works
  • •Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo — the city's defining symbol atop a busy roundabout

Getting around: San Salvador has no metro system, so locals rely on a dense network of colorful buses and microbuses that are cheap but crowded and complex for newcomers. Taxis are widely available though metered service is rare, so agree on a fare upfront. Rideshare apps Uber and InDrive operate reliably in the city and are the safest, most convenient option for visitors. For day trips, rental cars or private shuttles are recommended.

Best time: November through April, the dry season, offers sunny skies and minimal rain, making it the most comfortable time to explore the city and surrounding attractions.

Local food: Do not leave without trying pupusas — thick stuffed corn tortillas served with curtido and salsa — alongside yuca frita, tamales de elote, and a chilled Pilsener beer at a local comedor.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via ILS? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for El Salvador from official government sources.

El Salvador visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Ilopango International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Ilopango International Airport is an airport located on the eastern part of the city of San Salvador, El Salvador, once serving the city as its international airport until 1980 when it was replaced by the larger and more modern El Salvador International Airport, located about 50 km south of the city. Currently, Ilopango is used for military, air taxi, and charter aviation only. It also holds the annual Ilopango Air Show. The airport is also home to the National Aviation Museum of San Salvador, which is housed in the old terminal building.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification