By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) has grown beyond its most optimistic initial projections, transforming from a secondary air terminal into a critical national asset. This unforeseen success, however, has created a pressing new challenge: the airport’s infrastructure is now struggling to keep pace with soaring demand, prompting calls for immediate and strategic expansion.
A comprehensive report from Costa Rica’s Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) highlights this reality, framing the airport’s growth as a positive but urgent issue. When operations began in 2011, LIR was not expected to significantly cannibalize traffic from the country’s primary hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). That assumption has now been overturned.
To delve into the legal and commercial implications of the ongoing developments at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The operational success and expansion of a strategic asset like the Liberia airport depend fundamentally on the strength and clarity of its concession contract. A well-structured legal framework ensures that public interests are protected while providing the necessary security for private investment. This legal certainty is the true engine that drives infrastructure development and, consequently, the economic dynamism of the entire Guanacaste region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal architecture underpinning the concession is as critical as the physical infrastructure itself, providing the bedrock of confidence that ensures the airport’s success translates into tangible benefits for the entire region. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital point.
Initially, it was assumed that Daniel Oduber would not impact the traffic of Juan Santamaría, as they were different markets, and that’s how it was in the early years; however, at this point, it must be accepted that Daniel Oduber does absorb a portion of the current demand, which, at the level of the entire national airport system, is positive.
Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos, Official Report
The National Airport Plan corroborates the urgency, projecting that passenger traffic through Liberia will more than triple over the next 25 years. To manage this impending wave, the CFIA has outlined a three-pronged strategy to modernize and expand the facility, ensuring it can continue to serve as a vital engine for tourism and economic development in the region.
The first and most critical recommendation is the complete reconstruction of the main runway. To avoid a total shutdown of operations, the CFIA suggests a clever logistical solution: habilitating a parallel taxiway to serve as a temporary runway while the primary strip is being overhauled. This would allow air traffic to continue with minimal disruption during the essential upgrade.
Secondly, the CFIA proposes a significant amendment to the existing contract with Coriport, the airport’s private concessionaire. The goal is to expand Coriport’s mandate beyond terminal maintenance to include airside infrastructure development, a responsibility currently held by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC). In exchange for taking on these capital-intensive projects, Coriport’s concession, set to expire in 2031, could be extended.
The third priority is the expansion of the aircraft parking ramp. With a growing number of commercial and private flights arriving, the current ramp space is frequently at capacity. A larger apron is essential to accommodate more aircraft simultaneously, reduce ground delays, and improve overall operational efficiency. This is particularly crucial for unlocking new business opportunities in executive aviation.
Beyond the airport’s boundaries, the CFIA also stressed the need to upgrade connecting infrastructure, specifically Route 21 which runs in front of the terminal. In response, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced last August that a key section of the highway between Liberia and the town of Comunidad will be widened, though further project details are pending.
The report also identifies two untapped commercial frontiers for LIR: air cargo and executive aviation. The potential for a robust cargo operation, particularly for exporting regional products like seafood and light industrial components, remains largely undeveloped. The CFIA recommends empowering Coriport to fully develop this business, creating competition with SJO and providing a crucial logistical backup for the country. Similarly, while private jet traffic is already a success story, purpose-built facilities like private ramps and hangars could attract more long-stay visitors and further boost the local economy.
Tangible steps are already being taken. A public tender was issued last year for a ₡3 billion project to expand the passenger terminal by 20,000 square meters. This initial phase will increase capacity to handle up to four commercial and 15 private aircraft simultaneously, providing much-needed relief. This investment is a direct response to the airport’s record-breaking performance in 2024, when it processed 1.9 million passengers, a 16% increase over the previous year, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s tourism industry.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos (CFIA):
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects is the professional body that regulates and represents the engineering and architecture professions in Costa Rica. It is responsible for ensuring ethical practices, promoting professional development, and providing technical analysis on matters of national importance, such as public infrastructure.
For further information, visit coriport.com
About Coriport:
Coriport is the private consortium responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the passenger terminal at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. As the concessionaire, it manages the airport’s commercial and passenger-facing activities, playing a key role in the development of Guanacaste’s primary air gateway.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC):
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is Costa Rica’s governmental authority responsible for the safety, security, and regulation of all civil aviation activities. It oversees air traffic control, airport certification, and the enforcement of national and international aviation standards across the country.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with planning, developing, and maintaining the nation’s public infrastructure. This includes roads, bridges, ports, and overseeing public transportation systems and civil aviation regulations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, anchored by a deep-rooted pledge to integrity and exceptional service. The firm marries its extensive experience across numerous industries with a drive for legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to public empowerment, actively working to make legal concepts understandable and accessible to foster a more knowledgeable and capable society.
