Paraguay’s Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is celebrating its 46th anniversary with the significant challenge of expanding and modernising its main building. The plans were outlined by Rubén Aguilar, the Director of Airports at the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC) at the anniversary celebration. The ambitious project aims to enhance the capacity and efficiency of Paraguay’s primary air gateway in response to growing passenger and cargo demands.
Aguilar detailed that a core objective of the administration is to construct a completely new cargo terminal. Furthermore, the strategy includes increasing the number of telescopic jet bridges to facilitate smoother boarding and disembarking processes. These upgrades are part of a comprehensive remodelling of the entire building space, designed to improve operational flow and the overall passenger experience.
The airport is named after Paraguayan aviator Silvio Pettirossi (1887-1916). Between 1980 and 1989, it was known as President Stroessner International Airport, after the former head of state, Alfredo Stroessner.
A strategic reorganisation of space
A key component of the modernisation effort involves the strategic relocation of various state institutions that operate within the terminal. Government bodies such as the Customs office, Migrations, the Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering (Seprelad), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be moved to new, optimised locations within the building. This reorganisation is intended to streamline administrative processes for travellers, and improve coordination between the different agencies essential to the airport’s function.
Reflecting on the airport’s history, Aguilar recalled its significant evolution from its previous structure. The original terminal building has since been repurposed and is now managed by the Air Force as a cargo depot. The transition to the current, more modern facility marked a major step forward in the country’s aviation infrastructure, a journey of progress that the latest plans aim to continue.
Adapting to increased air traffic
The airport’s infrastructure has undergone numerous modifications since its inauguration in 1980, to keep pace with evolving demands. Aguilar pointed out that the current initiatives are a direct response to the rising number of passengers passing through its gates. Recent improvements have already seen the car parking capacity tripled, and work is underway to replace existing jet bridges and baggage reclaim carousels.
This growth is driven by the expanding operations of numerous airlines. A significant volume of carriers now operate frequent services from Silvio Pettirossi. These include Paranair, Latam Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, and Aerolíneas Argentinas. In addition, international carriers such as Gol, Air Europa, American Airlines, and the low-cost airline Flybondi offer a wide range of direct and connecting flights.
Investment in infrastructure and personnel
The increase in flight frequencies and passenger numbers has consequently necessitated a substantial expansion of the airport’s workforce. Aguilar confirmed that the number of personnel has multiplied to ensure that all incoming flights and associated services are managed effectively and to a high standard.
Looking ahead at the 46th anniversary celebration, Aguilar emphasised that the administration’s vision is to continue investing heavily in both physical infrastructure and human resources. He stressed that these ongoing commitments are fundamental to providing the comfort, safety, and efficiency that all users of the airport require.
Also read: Asunción’s Airport: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide To Silvio Pettirossi in Paraguay.
