Palmerola International Airport at a Glance

Palmerola International Airport (XPL), also called Comayagua International Airport, is the main international gateway for central Honduras and the capital region. It opened to commercial traffic in 2021, taking over international flights from Toncontín Airport in Tegucigalpa, whose short runway and tricky approach had long limited operations.

Where Palmerola Sits in the Comayagua Valley

The airport lies in the Comayagua valley, close to the colonial city of Comayagua. Tegucigalpa is roughly 60 to 70 kilometres to the southeast by road, so allow extra time when heading to or from the capital. The civilian terminal was developed on the site of the Soto Cano Air Base, which remains an active military installation next to the airfield.

Terminal and Facilities at Palmerola

Passengers use a single, modern terminal of more than 39,000 square metres, around four times the size of the old Toncontín building. Inside you will find:

• Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Cafés, fast-food outlets and local snack counters
• Souvenir and cigar shops
• Bank ATMs and a car rental hall in arrivals

Airlines Flying from Palmerola

Scheduled services link Comayagua with hubs in the United States, Mexico and Central America. Carriers include American Airlines, United Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca and Aeroméxico, giving travellers onward connections across the Americas and beyond. Routes and frequencies change, so check the current schedule when you search.

Getting from Palmerola to Comayagua and Tegucigalpa

Most visitors continue by road. Shuttle buses run between the terminal and the old Toncontín Airport in Tegucigalpa, which is a practical option for reaching the capital. Taxis wait outside arrivals, and several international and local car rental firms have desks on the ground floor. If you are staying in Comayagua itself, the drive into town is short.

Things to See Around Comayagua

Comayagua was the colonial capital of Honduras, and its historic centre is worth a stop. The cathedral, with its old clock tower, anchors a compact old town of churches and plazas. Further afield, Lake Yojoa and the mountains of central Honduras are popular for day trips.

Tips for Flying via Palmerola

Because the airport is some distance from Tegucigalpa, plan ground transport before you land, especially for early or late flights. Check shuttle timetables in advance, and give yourself a buffer for traffic on the highway to the capital.

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