Honduras
Honduras - 2.2.2 Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport 

Airport Overview 

Due to its location in an area of low elevation, with a tropical-humid climate and with frequent torrential rains is floodable and close to the Chamelecón River, the airport has suffered serious flooding during its history. 

The airport provides passenger and cargo services for commercial, private, and military operations, for domestic and international routes. 

Airport Location and Contact 

Country 

Honduras 

Province or District 

Cortes 

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport 

San Pedro Sula 

20 km 

Full name of the airport 

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport 

Latitude 

15.45138°

Longitude 

-87.92444°

Elevation (ft and m) 

92ft

28m 

IATA code 

 SAP 

ICAO Code 

MHLM 

Airport Administration or Airport Authority 

Honduran Airport Infrastructure and Services Company EHISA 

Opening Hours  

24 H 

Closing Hours  

24 H 

Airport Picture

image-20230831170542-1

  • Cargo Terminal 

  • Taxiway 

  • Passenger Terminal 

  • Airstrips 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

The Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport, located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, has the presence and collaboration of several government authorities to ensure the proper functioning and safety of airport operations. Some of the main government authorities working at this airport are: 

General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC): The DGAC is the entity responsible for the regulation and supervision of civil aviation in Honduras. At Ramón Villeda Morales Airport, they ensure that air operations comply with established safety and efficiency standards. 

Honduran Customs: The presence of Customs at the airport is crucial to control and manage the import and export of goods and goods. They ensure that regulations are complied with, and taxes are paid. 

Migration and Aliens: This authority is responsible for managing the entry and exit of people into the country. They check passengers' documentation, including passports and visas, to ensure they meet established immigration requirements. 

Honduran National Police: The National Police has a presence at the airport to ensure the safety of passengers, crews and personnel working in the facilities. They collaborate in the prevention and response to emergency situations or incidents. 

Honduran Air Force: As part of national security, the Air Force may have a presence at the airport to perform surveillance and airspace protection tasks. 

Ministry of Public Health: This authority can play an important role in reviewing health and disease control protocols at the airport, especially in times of health emergencies. 

Forest Conservation Institute (ICF): Since the airport is in a natural environment, the ICF may be present to ensure the protection and conservation of the nearby environment. 

These government authorities work in coordination to ensure regulatory compliance and provide a safe and efficient environment for passengers and airport operations at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport. 

For more information on airport contacts, please refer to the following link: 4.5 Airport Company Contact List. 

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/  

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator 

Performance for 2022 

 

By Year  

Total Aircraft Movements 

25,000 

Total Passengers 

2.5 million 

Total Airport Capacity (MT) 

3.5 million 

Current airport activity (MT) 

2.2 million 

Use of Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) 

150 

Runways 

Runway #1 

Dimensions 

2805 x 45 m 

Orientation 

04/22 

Surface 

Hydraulic Concrete 

 

Runway #2 

Dimensions 

2805 x 45 m 

Orientation 

04/22 

Surface 

Hydraulic Concrete 

Airport Infrastructure Details 

The suppliers working on refuel are UNO and PETRONOR, below their capabilities: 

UNO HONDURAS: 

Two International brand trucks with 5,000 gal of JET A1 with discharge of 248 gpm.  

One International brand truck with 8,000 gal of JET A1 with discharge of 248 gpm.  

One 10,000-gal AVGAS 100LL storage tank.  

Five 10,000-gal JET A1 storage tanks.  

One 2,000 gal refueler storage tank. 
 
PETRONOR:  

Two Refueler trucks for aviation, Freightliner brand, with capacity of 5,000 gl, pumping capacity of 300 gpm of JET A1.  

Two Refueler type trucks for aviation, International Brand, with capacity of 5,000 gl, pumping capacity of 300 gpm of JET A1.  

Five fuel storage tanks, capacity 20,000 gal of JET A1. 

Infrastructure

Customs 

Yes 

JET A-1 Fuel 

Yes 

Migration 

Yes 

AVGAS 100 

Yes 

Terminal Building 

Yes 

Central Refueling Point 

Yes 

Passenger Terminal 

Yes 

Air units for starter 

N/A 

Cargo Terminal 

Yes 

Power Plant (mobile) 

Yes 

Passenger Transportation to Platform 

No 

 

Cargo Handling Services 

Yes (operated by Adimex) 

Control Tower 

Yes 

Latrine services 

Yes 

Climate Facilities 

Yes 

Fire Category (ICAO) 

Yes 

CAT 7 

CAT 8 

Catering Services 

Yes 

De-icing equipment 

No 

Operations Room 

Yes 

Ramp lighting 

Yes 

Radar 

Yes 

 

Runway and approach lights 

Yes 

NDB 

N/A

VOR 

Yes 

ILS 

Yes 

 

 

Airport Operating Details 

Operating Detail 

Maximum size of aircraft that can unload bulk cargo 

747-400 aircraft 

Maximum size of aircraft that can be unloaded to palletized cargo 

767-300 aircraft 

Total aircraft parking area (m²) 

47,000 m² 

Storage area (m3 and MT) 

6,000 m³ 

Cargo Handling Equipment 

Elevators / Lifting Cranes (Hi Loaders)  

Yes 

Maximum Capacity (mt) 

25 mt

Maximum Height 

(m) 

7 m 

Loading Ramps 

Yes 

Other comments 

It is important to note that the capacity and availability of these facilities may vary depending on current demand and the needs of aviation operators using the airport. 

Customs Guidance

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport is an important air terminal in Honduras, handling a large amount of passenger and cargo traffic nationally and internationally. Customs activities at this airport are essential to ensure that products entering and leaving the country comply with established customs regulations and requirements. The duration of the customs process depends on the volume of traffic and the number of products being imported or exported. It is important to have all the necessary documentation and comply with the rules to streamline the process. 

It is important to be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information if needed. Customs offices are in the airport terminal and are open 24 hours a day to provide services to passengers and businesses using the airport. Travelers are advised to arrive with enough time in advance to complete customs formalities and not have time issues in their itinerary. In summary, Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport has an efficient customs infrastructure that allows a fast flow of goods and passengers, as long as customs regulations are complied with and work is done in collaboration with customs officials. 

For more information about customs in Honduras, see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information and https://www.aduanas.gob.hn/.

Storage Facilities 

At Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport, there are several storage options available for passengers and businesses using the airport. Storage facilities include luggage storage areas, cargo depots and goods storage services. In addition, there are private companies that offer storage and distribution services for those companies that need to temporarily store their products before sending them to their destination. 

However, it is important to note that storage capacity at the airport is limited and must be booked in advance. Proper documentation is also required for product storage, especially for products that require a special license or are subject to import and export restrictions. Payments for storage of goods must also be made prior to delivery, and additional taxes and fees apply as per Honduran customs regulations. 

Security for facilities at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport is a priority, and strict security measures are implemented to protect the integrity of goods stored on airport premises. This includes safety inspections and documentation verification to ensure that only legal and safe products are stored. Companies and passengers using storage services at the airport are advised to follow established procedures and regulations to avoid delays or problems in the process of storing and removing products. 

In conclusion, Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport offers several storage options for passengers and businesses that use its services. Established procedures and regulations must be followed to avoid problems or delays in the process of storage and removal of products. In addition, additional taxes and fees apply under Honduran customs regulations, and security is a priority at all airport storage facilities. 

Airport Costs 

NAVIGATION CHARGES image-20230831170542-2

CARGO TERMINAL CHARGES 

They oversee the Company SWISSPORT GBH, a company located in the Toncontín / Tegucigalpa Airports and Ramón Villeda Morales San Pedro Sula, who handles everything concerning cargo handling rates. 

Security

Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in Honduras maintains a high level of security with robust measures to protect passengers and airport operations. Rigorous access controls, advanced scanning and detection systems, and staff training have been implemented. However, one of the challenges is staying up to date in the face of new threats, so the airport works closely with international security agencies to exchange information and adopt best practices. 

The airport has announced a modernization plan that includes the incorporation of advanced technology, such as facial and biometric recognition systems, to improve efficiency and security at controls. In addition, the expansion and renovation of inspection and control areas has been considered to adapt to the constant increase in demand. Ramón Villeda Morales Airport has received certifications from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), supporting its commitment to high international airport security standards and providing confidence to passengers and airlines that use its facilities. 

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