Avianca El Salvador

Avianca El Salvador operates under the robust safety framework of the Avianca Group. The airline is IOSA Certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit), an internationally recognized evaluation system that assesses an airline's operational management and control systems. El Salvador, as the country of its base, maintains a US FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment Category 1 status, signifying that its civil aviation authority complies with ICAO safety standards.

According to AirlineRatings, Avianca (the larger group) holds a 7/7 safety record, indicating no fatal crashes since January 1990. However, a review in February 2024 from AirlineRatings cited "very poor safety rating" for Avianca due to inconsistent adherence to safety protocols and standards in comparison to other major carriers, particularly concerning in-cabin practices.

Historically, under the TACA brand, there were notable incidents:

• TACA Flight 110 (1988): A Boeing 737-300 experienced a dual engine flameout due to severe hail ingestion. The pilots successfully executed an emergency landing on a grass levee with no fatalities.
• TACA Flight 390 (2008): An Airbus A320 overran the runway upon landing in Tegucigalpa, resulting in fatalities among crew, passengers, and individuals on the ground.
• In November 2025, an Airbus A320 recall was issued globally due to "intense solar radiation" potentially corrupting data for flight controls. This recall affected more than 70% of Avianca's fleet and caused significant operational disruptions.

Other incidents reported for Avianca (the group) include bird strikes, engine problems, and cabin pressure issues, though no fatalities were specified in these instances.

Avianca's fleet is characterized as a mix of modern and efficient aircraft, with ongoing initiatives to modernize the fleet, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. The airline places a high priority on adopting the latest aviation technologies and innovations for passenger comfort, safety, and overall travel experience, reflected in crew training and advanced safety measures.

Overall Safety Assessment:

Avianca El Salvador, as part of the Avianca Group, maintains regulatory compliance through its IOSA certification and operating from an FAA Category 1 country. While the broader Avianca Group has a strong record of no fatal crashes since 1990, historical incidents under the TACA brand and recent customer feedback indicating inconsistent in-cabin safety practices suggest that while the airline meets external safety audits, there are perceived gaps in everyday operational safety enforcement that impact traveler confidence.

Safety Awards or Recognitions:

Avianca (the group) was recognized as Central and South America's Favorite Airline in the 2025 Flyers' Choice Awards by AirlineRatings.com. This award, determined by traveler votes, reflects overall passenger trust and satisfaction, which can be seen as an indirect recognition of operational quality, including safety.