Flying private to Honduras: permits, paperwork and handling
Honduras requires foreign private and business aircraft to obtain authorization from AHAC (Agencia Hondurena de Aeronautica Civil) before landing or overflying. This guide covers what you need, how far in advance to ask, and which airports accept international arrivals, using live data from the i-Handler airport directory, sourced from the country AIP.
Authority: AHAC (Agencia Hondurena de Aeronautica Civil) · Reviewed: 2026-09-27
Permits: who issues them and when to apply
Landing and overflight permits for foreign civil aircraft are handled by AHAC (Agencia Hondurena de Aeronautica Civil). Requests are processed on business days; plan on at least 48 business hours before the flight.
Reference the approved permit in your ICAO flight plan (item 18) and file the plan only once the permit is confirmed. Private non-revenue and charter (revenue) flights follow different tracks; charter requires additional commercial documentation, so start earlier.
Honduras airspace is managed within the CENAMER FIR (COCESNA), so route clearances follow Central American regional coordination. Toncontin (MHTG) is a demanding mountain approach: many operators prefer Palmerola (MHSC) or San Pedro Sula (MHLM) for jets.
Documents you will be asked for
Aircraft: certificate of airworthiness, certificate of registration, international insurance certificate with coverage valid for Honduras, and noise certificate.
Crew: pilot licenses and current medical certificates.
Passengers: passports (6 months validity is the safe standard) and a General Declaration (GENDEC) for arrival.
The i-Handler App generates the GENDEC, passenger manifests and the ICAO flight plan from your trip data, so the paperwork above is produced in minutes instead of retyped per flight.
Airports of entry
The airports of entry are Tegucigalpa Toncontin (MHTG), Comayagua Palmerola (MHSC), San Pedro Sula (MHLM), Roatan (MHRO) and La Ceiba (MHLC).
Plan your first landing at an airport of entry. Other fields may show customs in the AIP data, but use them as onward stops after clearing in, unless the authority authorizes otherwise. The live table below marks entry, customs, mandatory handling, slots and fuel per airport.
Honduras airports at a glance (live from the i-Handler directory)
| Airport | Entry | Customs | Handling | Slots | Fuel | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHLCLa Ceiba Goloson International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 1 |
| MHLMRamon Villeda Morales International (La Mesa) | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 5 |
| MHNJGuanaja | No | No | No | No | AVGAS | 1 |
| MHRORoatan/Juan Manuel Galvez International | Yes | Yes | Mandatory | No | JET | 2 |
| MHSCComayagua/Palmerola/Coronel Enrique Soto Cano AB | Yes | Yes | No | No | JET | 0 |
| MHTETela | No | No | No | No | NO FUEL | 0 |
| MHTGTegucigalpa/Toncontin International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 3 |
| MHTJTrujillo | No | No | No | No | NO FUEL | 0 |
Live data from the i-Handler directory; each ICAO links to the airport page with contacts, frequencies and live METAR/TAF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landing permit for a private flight to Honduras?
Yes. Foreign private and business aircraft need authorization from AHAC (Agencia Hondurena de Aeronautica Civil). Requests are processed on business days; plan on at least 48 business hours before the flight. The permit goes in item 18 of your ICAO flight plan.
Which airports in Honduras accept international arrivals?
The airports of entry are Tegucigalpa Toncontin (MHTG), Comayagua Palmerola (MHSC), San Pedro Sula (MHLM), Roatan (MHRO) and La Ceiba (MHLC). The table on this page shows entry, customs and handling status per airport, live from the i-Handler directory.
How do I find a handler or FBO in Honduras?
The i-Handler airport directory lists ground handlers and FBOs per airport with phone numbers, and pilots contact them by chat through the free i-Handler App.
What paperwork does a flight to Honduras require?
Aircraft certificates, insurance, crew licenses, passports and a General Declaration. The i-Handler App generates the GENDEC, manifests and ICAO flight plan automatically from your trip.
Is Toncontin (MHTG) restricted for jets?
Toncontin has a short runway and a demanding mountain approach; many jet operators use Palmerola (MHSC) or San Pedro Sula (MHLM) instead. Check your aircraft performance and current AIP restrictions before planning MHTG.
Do the paperwork once, not per flight
The free i-Handler App organizes the trip, generates the GENDEC, manifests and ICAO flight plan, and connects you by chat with the handlers and FBOs listed at your destination. Create your pilot account at i-handler.app.
Create your free pilot accountLast reviewed 2026-09-27 against operational sources. Requirements change: always confirm current rules with AHAC (Agencia Hondurena de Aeronautica Civil) or your handler before the flight. This page is operational guidance, not legal advice.