Paraguay has officially opened a new 2,500-square-metre boarding terminal at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, marking a significant upgrade to the country’s main international gateway with state-of-the-art technology aimed at improving passenger experience.
During the inauguration ceremony on 21 November, 2025, Nelson Mendoza, president of the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (Dinac), described the facility as more than just infrastructure.
“Today we are not simply inaugurating a project; we are affirming a vision and taking a firm step toward the future we want to build for our country,” Mendoza said. “This new departure terminal is a symbol that Paraguay is daring to grow, to innovate, and to look ahead with determination.”
From unused terrace to modern gateway
Mendoza highlighted the transformation of what was once an underused terrace into a modern, spacious facility equipped to welcome international travellers.
“Every detail was designed to accompany the evolution of the modern passenger,” he explained, listing enhancements that include increased checkpoint capacity, high-tech X-ray machines, automatic tray systems, new immigration booths, larger and brighter waiting areas with improved air conditioning, and fully renovated amenities.
Two new telescopic jetways have also been installed, while supporting systems handling the daily flow of thousands of passengers have been upgraded.
“Speed, technology and efficiency”
The new boarding terminal opening event was attended by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, who emphasised that the terminal forms part of a broader programme of improvements planned for the airport. President Peña stressed the government’s focus on streamlining the passenger journey from arrival to departure.
“We want passengers to be able to enter the airport quickly, board the plane, and then leave as quickly as possible,” he said. “And that requires technology, investment, and commitment from the officials at the National Direction of Civil Aviation (DINAC).”
Acknowledging that further work remains, the president added that his administration is determined to continue enhancing infrastructure “to demonstrate that we Paraguayans can do it and that public officials can not only be as efficient as the private sector but can do more.”
Record passenger numbers, and future upgrades
Officials announced that Silvio Pettirossi is on course to register a historic 1.3 million passengers in a single year by December 2025, with the new terminal designed to accommodate that volume and beyond.
Looking ahead, Mendoza revealed that additional technology will be introduced by February 2026, including e-gates and smart gates to enable faster, more secure self-service processing for travellers, as well as two further X-ray machines that will double screening capacity and bring standards in line with the region’s leading airports.
