The Government of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, has imposed a fee of $1,130 on travelers from at least 50 countries connecting through the country's main airport. The decision, according to local media, comes amid pressure from the United States to help control migratory flows to its southern border.
Meanwhile, the Government explained in a statement that it would be a measure to raise funds for the improvement of the International Airport of El Salvador, San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez. "The Government of President Nayib Bukele is working hard on expansion and modernization projects at the El Salvador International Airport, in order to provide a first-class service to all users and passengers who circulate through the air terminal," the Commission explained. Autonomous Port Executive (CEPA).
The Government of El Salvador under pressure
In this sense, the commission explained that in the country there is an increase in the number of passengers entering, leaving and connecting at the airport, compared to previous years. In addition, he pointed out that El Salvador, due to its strategic position, is a HUB (connection center) for one of the most important airlines in the region, having direct connection with more than 30 destinations in 14 countries.
Despite the Government's explanation of the decision to impose the tariff, local media La Prensa Gráfica indicated that the announcement was made "amid pressure from the United States to help control migratory flows towards its southern border."
Earlier this year, for example, U.S. authorities were surprised by a surge of Mauritanian immigrants arriving at the southern border. No natural disaster, coup d'état or sudden economic collapse could explain it. Rather, travel agencies and influencers were promoting a multi-stop trip that took migrants from the African nation to Nicaragua.
