The installation of anti-bacterial gel stations, cameras and arches for temperature control are some of the works that are pending at La Aurora Airport, so that it can operate commercial flights when the borders open.
Due to the propagation of covid-19, the Guatemalan government prohibited the arrival and departure of commercial flights in the country.
Alejandro Giammattei, president-elect of Guatemala, announced that during his mandate the administration of the country's airports will be handed over to the municipalities.
The plans of the president-elect, who is due to take office on Jan. 14, 2020, are to hand over the administration of several airports to mayors who have commercial airstrips within their municipalities.
In Guatemala, Congress is discussing a bill that seeks to increase the arrival of flights to the country through tax incentives for airlines, which would be coupled with the elimination of improper tax charges.
On August 14, 2019, the President of the Legislative Branch, Álvaro Arzú Escobar, presented to Congress initiative 5585, which has the support of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and the Guatemalan Association of Air Lines (AGLA). See full bill.
After having carried out the adaptation work on its infrastructure, it reopened the San José Port aerodrome, in Escuintla, which will be used initially for private flights.
The expectation of the authorities is that in addition to private flights that can already be operated in the air terminal located in the Pacific, commercial flights will be scheduled in the future.
Operations at three air terminals, including La Aurora, are being affected by trade union reprisals against dismissal of air traffic controllers.
Jackeline Lopez, in charge of communication of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) said that a cut of $2 million in the budget of the institution led to the dismissal of 25 of 60 air traffic controllers and a cut of 23% in salaries for the rest of the staff.
Changes are being made to control processes and clearance of cargo carryied by commercial aircraft at the La Aurora international airport.
From a statement issued by the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT):
Air cargo arriving at La Aurora International Airport and which is shipped aboard scheduled commercial passenger flights, now has better customs controls applied by the staff at the loading and unloading area of the Air Express customs office of the Administration Superintendency Tax.
Plans for the construction of the airport of Puerto de San José, Escuintla, are ready, and a partnership with the private sector is being sought to provide the finance of $140 million required for the project.
The aim of the construction of this airport is to relieve pressure on the air traffic in the terminal of La Aurora. Due to the fact that the necessary funds have not been obtained, the state is aiming to complete the project via a public-private partnership model.
In the first three months of 2012 the number of travelers increased by 8%, while airlines operating at La Aurora Airport increased the frequency of their flights.
Statistical data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation shows that the companies Copa, United, Aeromexico, Iberia and Interjet have increased their flights to and from La Aurora Airport from 36 daily flights to 48.
Located in the Esquipulas municipality, in the department of Chiquimula, the airport will serve 60 to 80 passenger planes.
Construction of the first stage will be funded with $2 million provided by the Council of Departmental Development, entity responsible for authorizing the project. Works will start once the air transport authority finishes pending studies.