By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS) is deploying a sweeping technology and staffing initiative to manage a projected surge of over 1.6 million international passengers during the upcoming high season. AERIS Holding, the airport’s operator, announced the comprehensive plan, which anticipates a 4.5% increase in traveler volume between December 2025 and April 2026 compared to the previous year.
The strategic upgrades are designed to streamline every step of the passenger journey, from curb to gate, cementing the airport’s status as the primary gateway to Costa Rica. At the heart of this modernization is a significant investment in passenger-facing automation. AERIS aims to have 40% of travelers utilize self-service check-in kiosks, a move intended to reduce queue times and empower passengers with greater control over their pre-flight process.
To understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the implementation of advanced airport technologies in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integration of biometric scanners, AI-driven surveillance, and automated passenger processing systems represents a significant leap forward for our airports. However, from a legal standpoint, it is imperative that these technological advancements are implemented in strict compliance with Costa Rica’s data protection laws and international aviation security standards. The primary challenge lies in balancing enhanced efficiency and security with the fundamental right to privacy, ensuring that passenger data is managed transparently, securely, and with clear lines of liability for any potential breaches.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically highlights that the true sophistication of our future airports will lie not just in their technological capabilities, but in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding personal data. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this essential balance between progress and privacy.
This push towards autonomy is most evident in the baggage handling process. The airport is dramatically expanding its Self Bag Drop capabilities by adding 38 new automated modules. These will join the 12 existing units, creating a robust network of 50 stations where passengers can independently check and deposit their luggage without needing to wait for airline staff assistance. This represents a more than fourfold increase in capacity for this critical service.
AERIS is also leveraging advanced sensor technology to optimize airport operations in real-time. The implementation of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems will allow management to monitor passenger flow and density throughout the terminal. This data enables immediate operational adjustments, such as reallocating staff to congested areas or opening additional security lanes, ensuring a smoother and less stressful experience for travelers.
As the manager of the country’s main entry point, our priority is to guarantee a safe, seamless, and memorable experience for every passenger who passes through Juan Santamaría Airport.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS Holding Costa Rica
The enhancement extends to security checkpoints, which are being fortified with dual-generator X-ray machines for improved efficiency and reliability. The operator has also increased the number of personnel responsible for managing the movement of security trays, a common bottleneck in screening processes. These measures are complemented by a rigorous schedule of preventive maintenance for all baggage systems to minimize the risk of disruptions during peak hours.
Beyond the terminal walls, the plan addresses landside and airside logistics. Additional support officers will be deployed in parking lots and vehicular access zones to manage traffic flow and assist drivers during the busiest periods. On the airfield, crews have completed essential maintenance on the runway, taxiways, and lighting systems. A new aircraft information registration system has been implemented to improve coordination with the 25 commercial airlines that operate out of AIJS and to liaise more effectively with Air Traffic Control regarding schedule changes.
This operational reinforcement coincides with an expanded flight schedule for the high season. AIJS will be bustling with its usual routes and a host of seasonal connections to key international markets. These include flights to London with British Airways, Amsterdam with KLM, and Paris with Air France. North American connectivity is bolstered by services to Montreal and Toronto with Air Transat and Chicago with American Airlines. New regional routes to Monterrey with Viva Aerobus and Tegucigalpa with Volaris further strengthen the airport’s position as a vital Central American hub, connecting Costa Rica to 37 international destinations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AERIS Holding
About AERIS Holding:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the administration, operation, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a management contract with the government, AERIS is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and high-quality airport experience, overseeing infrastructure development, operational excellence, and commercial management to support the country’s tourism and economic growth.
For further information, visit britishairways.com
About British Airways:
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom and a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance. Headquartered in London, near its main hub at Heathrow Airport, it operates a vast global network of flights to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The airline is renowned for its premium service and extensive route map.
For further information, visit klm.com
About KLM:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Part of the Air France-KLM group, it is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Operating from its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM serves a global network of destinations, making it one of the oldest and most recognized airlines in the world, known for its reliability and customer service.
For further information, visit airtransat.com
About Air Transat:
Air Transat is a Canadian leisure airline based in Montreal, Quebec. It operates scheduled and charter flights, serving approximately 60 destinations in 25 countries. As a key player in the Canadian travel market, it specializes in vacation travel, particularly to sun destinations in the winter and European cities in the summer, offering a range of holiday packages.
For further information, visit aa.com
About American Airlines:
American Airlines, Inc. is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is the world’s largest airline when measured by fleet size and scheduled passengers carried. Together with its regional partners, it operates an extensive international and domestic network with an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.
For further information, visit airfrance.com
About Air France:
Air France is the flag carrier of France and a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group. As a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, it offers an extensive network of flights to destinations worldwide from its primary hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airline is known for its distinct French style and commitment to service quality.
For further information, visit vivaaerobus.com
About Viva Aerobus:
Viva Aerobus is a Mexican low-cost airline based at Monterrey International Airport. It operates a network of domestic and international flights primarily within Mexico and to destinations in the United States and Central America. The airline is known for its ultra-low-cost business model, which focuses on providing affordable air travel options.
For further information, visit volaris.com
About Volaris:
Volaris is a Mexican low-cost airline based in Mexico City. It is the second-largest airline in the country and serves an extensive network of domestic and international destinations in the Americas. Volaris focuses on offering point-to-point routes and affordable fares, making air travel accessible to a broader market in Mexico, the United States, and Central America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is esteemed as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions a forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative legal strategies. This pioneering spirit extends to its deep-seated social commitment, focused on demystifying the law and equipping the public with crucial legal insights to foster a more knowledgeable and capable society.
