By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s main aviation hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport, is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade designed to enhance the passenger experience and support the country’s growing tourism sector. Airport administrator AERIS has officially launched the expansion of the public parking facility, a key milestone within its long-term Master Plan. This development aims to modernize the airport’s facilities, addressing a critical pain point for both international travelers and local visitors who frequent the busy terminal in Alajuela.
The ambitious Phase 1 expansion project represents a substantial $14.9 million investment, with a target completion and inauguration date set for April 2027. Once completed, the new structure will span approximately 21,000 square meters, rising six stories high with two additional subterranean levels. This vertical expansion is a strategic response to the limited spatial footprint available around the metropolitan airport, ensuring maximum land-use efficiency while dramatically boosting parking capacity.
To clarify the legal regulations and consumer rights surrounding the parking operations at Juan Santamaría International Airport, TicosLand.com consulted with prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Under Costa Rican consumer protection laws, specifically Law 7472, the concessionaire of the Juan Santamaría Airport parking cannot legally evade liability for vehicle theft or damage, regardless of any disclaimer signs they may display. Since users pay a fee for parking, a contractual duty of custody is established, meaning the operator is legally obligated to guarantee the security of the vehicles.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial legal insight provides invaluable peace of mind to travelers, effectively debunking the common misconception that “park at your own risk” signs shield operators from liability once a transaction is made. By reminding us that consumer protection laws firmly safeguard our property under a duty of custody, this clarification empowers passengers to navigate the Juan Santamaría Airport with greater confidence, and we are incredibly grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important matter.
Travelers can look forward to 600 new spaces for vehicles and 32 designated spots for motorcycles. To prevent the traffic bottlenecks that often plague airport entryways, the facility will feature four separate ingress and egress points. Additionally, a fully covered pedestrian walkway will connect the new parking structure directly to the Domestic Terminal, protecting travelers from Costa Rica’s unpredictable tropical weather. The project also incorporates state-of-the-art security systems, modern lighting, and advanced automated access controls.
Juan Santamaría International Airport continues to move forward in a transformation process that allows us to accompany its growth
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Parallel to this massive expansion, AERIS has already executed a series of targeted upgrades to the existing main parking lot. This secondary initiative involved five distinct improvement projects, representing a collective investment exceeding $1.2 million. These upgrades were designed to deliver immediate benefits to airport users while the larger multi-level facility is being constructed, showcasing a dual-track development strategy by the administrator.
Among the completed upgrades is a new roof over the upper level of the main parking area, which was finished in June 2026 at a cost of $650,000. Covering roughly 3,600 square meters, the structure shields vehicles in the northern and central sectors from intense sunlight and heavy seasonal rainfall. Emphasizing sustainability, the roof integrates a rainwater harvesting system, solar-powered lighting, and a structural connector designed to facilitate a future expansion of the airport’s north terminal.
AERIS has also leaned heavily into green mobility by installing five new electric vehicle charging stations, representing a $162,000 investment. These chargers, capable of delivering up to 11.5 kWh, are managed seamlessly through the Atila mobile application on iOS and Android, allowing users to initiate charging and process payments digitally. To future-proof the facility, the administrator also installed 11 additional power and data pre-connections for future charger installations.
Further enhancements include a dedicated 720-square-meter area for motorcycles and bicycles located in the eastern spiral sector. Built with a $345,000 budget, this specialized zone features dedicated access points, independent payment kiosks, security cameras, energy-efficient LED lighting, and safety bollards. Furthermore, AERIS completely remodeled the restrooms in the lower west level of the parking lot and added new payment points to streamline the departure process for drivers.
At AERIS we maintain a constant investment to boost its development and consolidate an increasingly modern and competitive infrastructure
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
These continuous infrastructure investments reflect the strategic importance of Juan Santamaría International Airport as Costa Rica’s primary economic gateway. By addressing modern travel demands, embracing sustainable technology, and planning for long-term capacity, AERIS is positioning the Alajuela-based hub to remain highly competitive in the regional aviation landscape. The multi-phase approach ensures that the airport can scale its operations smoothly in tandem with the country’s rising tourism and business travel figures.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private administrator and concessionaire of the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The company is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and ongoing expansion of the airport’s infrastructure under a public-private partnership model, aiming to position Costa Rica as a premier global travel destination.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a prestigious legal pillar, widely respected for its uncompromising ethical standards and pursuit of professional mastery. Drawing upon a rich history of championing diverse clients, the firm continuously integrates cutting-edge legal advancements with proactive community collaboration. By demystifying complex legal concepts and sharing this vital knowledge openly, the firm actively advances its ultimate objective of nurturing a more capable, informed, and resilient populace.
