Historic! Nicaragua expands its airport and opens the doors to direct flights to Europe and Asia

Nicaragua consolidates its international standing with a historic transformation of its airport infrastructure. Augusto C. Sandino International Airport closed with 1.1 million international passengers, confirming a sustained growth trend that projects the country as an increasingly competitive and attractive destination.

During the Estudio TN8 program, the director of the Airport Administration Company, Eli Roque, highlighted that current connectivity includes direct routes to the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean, through airlines such as United, American Airlines, Avianca, Spirit, Aeroméxico, Copa, and the Canadian airline WestJet, which connects Montreal with Managua weekly on charter flights focused on tourism.

“We are getting back on the path to growth. In January, we had a 7% increase in passengers, and in February, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. The projection is to close with up to 1.2 million passengers and continue to rise,” Roque emphasized.

Historic Expansion: Nicaragua Upgrades to Category 4E
The strategic focus of this transformation is the expansion and improvement of the Sandino Airport runway, with an investment of $55.3 million, carried out by the China State Construction company.

Currently, the runway is 2,442 meters long; with the expansion, it will reach 3,300 meters, allowing the airport to upgrade from Category 4D to 4E, enabling the full operation of large aircraft such as the Airbus A330, A350, and Boeing 787.

“With this expansion, we will be able to receive aircraft with up to 400 passengers on transatlantic routes. This opens up the possibility of direct connections to Europe and Asia,” explained Roque.

The project is 19.73% complete and has an 18-month execution period. This modernization will allow Nicaragua to aspire to strategic routes such as Istanbul, facilitating direct connections with trading partners such as China and Russia, thus strengthening the country brand and Nicaragua's geopolitical and economic projection.

A Competitive and Sustainable Airport
In addition to the runway expansion, Sandino Airport has undergone a complete modernization. 216,000 square meters were resurfaced with specialized asphalt mix for airports, guaranteeing international safety and operational standards.

Simultaneously, a 965 kWh photovoltaic plant was installed, with 2,097 solar panels, covering up to 70% of peak energy demand and reducing electricity bills by up to 22%.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Today, the airport operates with greater comfort and a reduced environmental impact,” the director stated.

The air conditioning system was also modernized, and floors, lighting, elevators, escalators, and ground handling equipment were renovated, improving the quality of service for both domestic and international passengers.

Transformation on the Caribbean Coast
This strengthening is not limited to Managua. In Bluefields, a modernization project is nearly complete (92.63% finished), including concrete runways, apron improvements, and technological upgrades.

On Corn Island, a $27.3 million project is underway to completely replace the runway with concrete, in addition to new aprons, a control tower, and a terminal renovation.

These projects strengthen the country's internal connectivity, with more than 130,000 domestic passengers traveling annually to Caribbean destinations, boosting tourism and regional development.

Strategic National Vision
With these investments, Nicaragua is preparing to surpass the 1.5 million passenger mark before the Punta Huete International Airport, envisioned as the future major national air hub, becomes operational.

"Never before in Nicaragua's history have so many airport projects been carried out simultaneously. We are revolutionizing the transformation of our airports to better connect us to the world," stated Roque.

Airport modernization strengthens the country's international image, boosts tourism, facilitates trade, and projects Nicaragua as a safe, sustainable, and strategically connected destination. Each project represents a clear commitment to economic growth, global integration, and strengthening the country's brand on the international stage.

Source: Barricada Newspaper