By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – In a powerful demonstration of Costa Rica’s burgeoning tourism appeal, Guanacaste Airport (LIR) has officially announced a new single-day passenger traffic record, cementing its status as a critical gateway to the nation’s famed Gold Coast. The airport processed an unprecedented 13,815 passengers on December 27, 2025, a milestone achieved during the peak of the country’s high travel season.
This remarkable figure represents a significant 7% increase over the previous record set just nine months earlier. On March 15, 2025, the terminal had handled 12,936 passengers, a number that was considered a major achievement at the time. The new record underscores a period of sustained and accelerated growth for the region, signaling robust international confidence in Guanacaste as a premier vacation destination.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of Guanacaste Airport’s role as a primary driver of regional development, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Airport’s success is fundamentally anchored in the strength of its public-private concession agreement. This legal framework is crucial as it provides the long-term stability and clear regulatory guidelines necessary to attract significant foreign investment from operators like VINCI. From a legal standpoint, it ensures that infrastructure development, operational efficiency, and international compliance standards are met, which in turn fuels tourism, real estate growth, and the entire economic ecosystem of the province.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores a critical point: the robust public-private framework is not merely a background detail, but the very engine driving the tangible economic and tourism success we see in Guanacaste today. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight.
The operational statistics for the record-breaking day provide a clear picture of the logistical scale. Of the total travelers, 7,654 were inbound passengers arriving to begin their Costa Rican holidays, while 6,350 were departing. This massive flow of people was managed through a carefully coordinated schedule of 44 international operations and 15 domestic flights, showcasing the terminal’s capacity to handle intense surges in demand.
The achievement is not an isolated event but the result of strategic expansion and enhanced connectivity. Throughout December, Guanacaste Airport successfully inaugurated five new international connections. This expansion broadened its network to a total of 26 direct destinations, providing easier access for a growing number of tourists from key markets in North America and Europe.
César Jaramillo, the General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, commented on the historic accomplishment, highlighting the efficiency and smoothness of the operation despite the record volume.
We witnessed a new milestone. More than 13,000 passengers transited in an orderly and fluid manner.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Aeropuerto
Jaramillo’s statement points to the significant investments made in infrastructure and operational protocols designed to enhance the passenger experience. The ability to manage such a high volume of traffic without major disruptions is a testament to the airport’s modern capabilities and the professionalism of its staff, ensuring that visitors’ first and last impressions of Costa Rica are positive ones.
This surge in passenger numbers serves as a vital economic indicator for the entire Guanacaste province. Each arrival represents direct revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services. The record traffic during the holiday season provides a substantial economic injection, supporting thousands of local jobs and reinforcing the tourism sector’s role as a primary engine of regional development.
Looking ahead, the new benchmark set by Guanacaste Airport poses both an opportunity and a challenge. It validates the ongoing strategy of attracting new airlines and routes while also signaling the need for continued investment in capacity and technology. As Guanacaste’s global reputation continues to grow, its primary airport must evolve in parallel to meet future demand and maintain its position as a world-class travel hub.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Guanacaste Aeropuerto, officially Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), is the second-busiest international airport in Costa Rica and the primary gateway to the country’s renowned North Pacific coast. Located just outside the city of Liberia, it serves as a crucial hub for tourism, connecting the Guanacaste province with major cities across North America and Europe. The airport is operated by VINCI Airports, a global leader in airport management, and is recognized for its modern infrastructure, efficiency, and commitment to providing a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers annually.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and legal mastery. The firm consistently champions innovative strategies while serving a wide spectrum of industries, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to law. Central to its core philosophy is a profound commitment to societal betterment by making legal understanding widely available, thereby empowering individuals and reinforcing the community at large.
