GUATEMALA CITY, September 8, 2026 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved an investment project to support Guatemala in modernizing its airport infrastructure and strengthening the institutional capacity of its civil aviation sector. The operation will benefit more than eight million users through safer, more modern, and more resilient airports, while contributing to the creation of quality jobs.
The project, known as the Civil Aviation Recovery Program, will receive US$250 million in financing. It will strengthen the sector’s institutional framework, technical capacity, and financial sustainability, supporting the Government’s modernization agenda to align the country with international aviation standards. It will also finance improvements at La Aurora International Airport in the capital; Mundo Maya International Airport in Petén; and the airfields in Puerto Barrios, Quetzaltenango, and Huehuetenango. In addition, it will support the training, certification, and licensing of the sector’s technical personnel, including air traffic controllers and aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel.
At the airports, runways and aprons will be repaired; drainage systems capable of withstanding heavy rainfall will be built; runway lighting systems and modern navigation and surveillance equipment will be installed; control towers will be rehabilitated; and airports will be equipped with aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles and stations, among other improvements consistent with international standards.
“Modernizing civil aviation is not only about improving our airports; it is about expanding development opportunities for Guatemala. This is a national commitment and a long-term investment in safe, efficient, and reliable airport infrastructure that strengthens connectivity, boosts tourism and trade, attracts investment, and creates jobs,” said Jonathan Menkos, Minister of Public Finance.
Tourism accounts for approximately 5 percent of gross domestic product and supports more than 500,000 jobs in Guatemala. The project is expected to attract more tourists and contribute to economic development in the country’s tourism destinations. Air transport also facilitates trade, investment, and access to markets. With support from the project, passenger traffic is estimated to exceed 11.2 million by 2040, more than twice the 5.2 million estimated for 2025.
