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El Salvador has recently commenced the construction of “Bitcoin Metropolis Airport,” an aviation hub that is expected to eventually connect Bitcoin Metropolis to the global network.
The nation’s official press agency released a video on its YouTube channel featuring Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at a press event on the construction site, where he laid the first foundation stone for what will eventually be known as Pacific Airport (official name).
However, bitcoin enthusiasts were disappointed to find that the 40-minute event did not mention Bitcoin Metropolis – the BTC “haven” it is intended to support.
Bitcoin Metropolis Airport – Bukele Lays Foundation Stone
Bukele initially revealed plans to establish Bitcoin Metropolis in November 2021, asserting it would become a tax-free sanctuary for international Bitcoin users.
In 2022, the President introduced additional plans for the airport, which was designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero.
Nonetheless, the original airport plans trace back to 2018, preceding both the Bitcoin Metropolis initiative and the country’s adoption of Bitcoin (BTC) as legal tender (September 2021).
The Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Mexican architect Fernando Romero discuss plans to construct “Bitcoin Metropolis Airport,” officially known as Pacific Airport, in 2022.
Critics have criticized Bukele’s plans for both the airport and Bitcoin Metropolis, alleging that progress has not commenced on either project, years after their initial announcements.
Bukele addressed the audience, stating that in “phase one” of its operation, the airport would feature two gates.
He indicated that the airport’s initial capacity would accommodate 300,000 passengers annually, asserting that developers would complete “phase one” of construction by 2027.
However, the government intends to expand the airport in two additional “phases.” The second phase will increase the number of gates to 10, while the final phase will expand it to 18.
In its completed form, the airport will be capable of serving 5 million passengers each year.
Bukele noted that the “initial investment” cost of the project was $320 million. The President added:
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“This airport is not just a runway. It’s a gateway for development, tourism, investment, and economic growth. Within 10 years, we expect it to create 50,000 jobs and an annual GDP growth rate of 1.5%.”
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele at a press event for the Pacific Airport construction project. (Source: Secretaría de Prensa El Salvador/YouTube/Screenshot)
New Jobs
Bukele further stated that the project would also generate 10,000 “direct and indirect jobs” in its first phase.
He asserted that the project would have an immediate impact on the economy, claiming it would produce $300 million in revenue during its first year of operation.
#AeropuertoDelPacífico | El Gobierno del Presidente @nayibbukele construirá el Aeropuerto del Pacífico en tres fases. Aquí detallamos en qué consiste cada una de ellas. #SecretaríaDePrensa pic.twitter.com/c1tmIaAht7
— Secretaría de Prensa de la Presidencia (@SecPrensaSV) February 26, 2025
However, discussions regarding Bitcoin were notably absent from the event, as was any mention of the Bitcoin Metropolis initiative.
Observers suggest that while the government previously linked the two projects, officials are no longer doing so. The Spanish-language media outlet Criptonoticias reported:
“[The government states that this] aeronautical project, initially announced in 2018, will be operational within two years. The event marks a tangible step towards its realization. However, the vision of Bitcoin Metropolis – presented with great fanfare in 2021 – remains clouded in uncertainty. To date, no clear timelines or concrete progress have been outlined for the city, which was supposedly designed for bitcoiners.”
Boost for La Unión
The government will construct the airport in the La Unión region, near the Conchagua Volcano.
The volcano, according to the government’s plans, is intended to be the focal point of Bitcoin Metropolis. At its summit, as per the original design, there will be a thermal plant that powers Bitcoin mining operations.
In late 2021, Bukele assured that Bitcoin Metropolis would not require residents to “ever” pay income tax. He also mentioned that there would be no property tax or local taxes in the city, with VAT being the sole tax for residents.
Nevertheless, Bukele appears to maintain his enthusiasm for Bitcoin. Earlier this week, the country’s National Bitcoin Office purchased approximately $94,050 per coin to acquire BTC 7 for the state’s reserves.
The post Construction of El Salvador’s Bitcoin Metropolis Airport Begins – But There’s a Twist appeared first on Cryptonews.
