Honduras's modern gateway replacing Tegucigalpa's challenging airport.
Opened
2021
Location
Comayagua, Honduras
Palmerola International Airport (IATA: XPL, ICAO: MHPR) is an international airport located near Comayagua, Honduras, approximately 80 kilometers north of the capital Tegucigalpa. It was developed to replace Toncontín International Airport, which was notorious for its extremely difficult and dangerous approach due to surrounding mountains and a short runway.
The airport was built on the site of a former U.S. and Honduran military airbase known as Soto Cano Air Base (Palmerola Air Base), which has hosted American military personnel for decades. The civilian terminal was constructed as a public-private partnership to handle growing passenger demand and improve aviation safety in Honduras.
Palmerola began commercial operations in 2021, offering flights to destinations in the United States, Central America, and other international routes. It is intended to serve as the primary air gateway for central Honduras, reducing reliance on the operationally constrained Toncontín airport.
Terminals
The airport features a single modern passenger terminal designed to handle both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between Palmerola and Tegucigalpa is available via shuttle buses and private taxis, with the journey taking approximately 90 minutes.
Airlines here
Airlines operating at Palmerola include American Airlines, United Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Avianca, among others serving regional and U.S. routes.
Notable facts
- ›Built on the site of Soto Cano Air Base, a longstanding U.S.-Honduran military installation.
- ›Opened for commercial operations in October 2021.
- ›Designed to relieve Toncontín International Airport, one of the world's most dangerous airports due to terrain.
- ›Located near the city of Comayagua, not Tegucigalpa, despite serving the capital region.
- ›Developed through a public-private partnership between the Honduran government and private investors.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
