Palmerola International Airport

Palmerola International Airport (XPL) sits 85 kilometres north of Tegucigalpa in the Comayagua Valley, operating from a former US military air base converted to civilian use. Opened in 2021, it replaced the famously challenging Toncontín Airport as Honduras's primary international gateway, offering a longer runway and modern infrastructure that can handle wide-body aircraft. The airport's location in the valley, surrounded by pine-covered hills and agricultural land, makes it a practical alternative for travellers headed to the capital or exploring central Honduras.

Getting There

Reaching Palmerola International Airport from Tegucigalpa requires a drive of about one hour and thirty minutes on the CA-5 highway, a well-maintained road that cuts through the central highlands. Buses and shared shuttles operate between Tegucigalpa's main bus terminals and the airport, with journey times ranging from 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. For those driving, the airport offers a paid parking lot with both short-term and long-term spaces; rates are posted at the entrance and payable in local currency. Taxis from the city cost approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Honduran lempiras (about $60 to $80), and Uber has become more common in the area but may be limited. Private transfers can be arranged through hotels or tour operators. From other major cities like San Pedro Sula, the drive takes around three and a half hours via the CA-5 north. The airport also serves as a hub for some domestic flights, with connections to Roatán, La Ceiba, and other destinations, though many of these also operate from the nearby Soto Cano Air Base runway.

Inside the Terminal

Palmerola's terminal is compact but modern, with a single building housing both arrivals and departures on separate levels. On departure, passengers enter the ground floor, pass through a security checkpoint staffed by Honduran police, and then proceed to the upper level where no-frills waiting areas and a few small shops are located. The wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilets ensure mobility-impaired travellers can navigate the facility. A baggage storage desk is available for those needing to leave luggage, and changing tables are present in both men's and women's restrooms. The check-in area is efficient, with airlines operating counters that open two hours before scheduled departures. Wi-Fi is available free of charge, but connection speeds can be inconsistent. Food options are limited to a single café serving coffee, sandwiches, and snacks before security; after security, there is a similar outlet with slightly higher prices. The airport's atmosphere is calm compared to larger hubs, but it can become busy around noon on weekdays, the peak time for flights. On arrival, passengers clear immigration and customs in a small hall, then retrieve baggage from one carousel. The process is typically quick, but delays can occur if multiple international flights land simultaneously. Planeside boarding via bus is common for smaller aircraft, and the apron offers views of the surrounding valley.

Palmerola International Airport and Palmerola

The Palmerola region, centred on the town of Comayagua, offers a blend of colonial history, natural beauty, and Honduran culture that makes the journey to the airport worthwhile. Comayagua, capital of Honduras until 1880, features a well-preserved colonial centre with the oldest cathedral in Central America (completed in 1715) and a clock that is among the oldest still in operation in the Americas. Visitors can walk through the central plaza, explore the cathedral's interior, and visit the nearby Museo de Comayagua for artefacts from the pre-Columbian and colonial eras. The surrounding valley is prime coffee-growing territory; fincas like Finca La Rubia offer tours where you can learn about the bean-to-cup process and sample locally grown arabica. For outdoor enthusiasts, the cloud forests of Parque Nacional Montaña de Comayagua provide hiking trails through lush vegetation, with chances to spot resplendent quetzals and howler monkeys. The area is also known for its hot springs – Aguas Termales de Comayagua – where geothermal pools offer relaxation after a flight. Lake Yojoa, Honduras's largest natural lake, lies about an hour's drive west, known for fishing, birdwatching, and the stunning Pulhapanzak Waterfall. The airport itself sits on the site of the former Palmerola Air Base, a US military facility that operated from the 1980s until 2021; the transition to civilian use has spurred development, including new hotels and businesses along the highway. For travellers, the practical advantage is clear: safer landings, more flight options, and a location that avoids the capital's congestion. The region's understated appeal lies in its authenticity – it receives far fewer tourists than the Bay Islands or Copán, offering a glimpse of everyday Honduran life in the highlands.

Practical Information

The airport is open from early morning until late evening, but not 24 hours; check with your airline for specific operating times as flights can arrive or depart outside official hours. The busiest periods are midday on weekdays (Monday through Thursday around noon), when multiple flights are scheduled. For the most up-to-date flight information, visit the airport's official website at https://palmerola.airport.hn/. For inquiries, you can contact the airport administration via the phone number listed on the site – though response times can be slow. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, but foreign cards may incur fees; carry some Honduran lempiras for taxis and small purchases. The baggage storage service charges by the day; rates are reasonable but confirm before leaving items. If arriving on an international flight, factor in time for customs, which can add 30–60 minutes. One concrete piece of advice: book a pre-arranged taxi or shuttle from Tegucigalpa if your flight arrives after dark, as public transport options diminish in the evening and negotiating fares at the airport can be trickier than during the day.