By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – The province of Guanacaste is cementing its position as a central hub for Costa Rican travel, with new figures from Guanacaste Airport revealing a substantial increase in domestic passenger traffic. Between January and August 2025, the airport facilitated travel for 36,000 domestic passengers, marking an impressive rise of 4,499 individuals compared to the same period last year. This surge underscores a growing trend of intra-national air travel and highlights the region’s increasing importance to the national economy.
This remarkable growth is largely attributed to the strategic expansion of routes by local carriers Sansa Airlines and Green Airways. These airlines have established a vital network connecting Guanacaste with key tourist and business destinations across the country, including the capital San José, as well as popular spots like Nosara, Quepos, Cóbano, and La Fortuna. This enhanced connectivity provides travelers with efficient and convenient alternatives to ground transportation, significantly reducing travel times and improving access to diverse tourism offerings.
To better understand the legal and investment implications surrounding Guanacaste Airport’s role in regional development, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The strategic expansion and modernization of Guanacaste Airport serve as a crucial legal and commercial anchor for foreign investment in the North Pacific. For any potential investor, the airport’s operational capacity is a primary factor in due diligence, directly impacting the valuation and viability of real estate, hospitality, and tourism projects. It represents a tangible commitment to the region’s growth, providing the legal security and logistical confidence necessary for significant capital allocation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a crucial reality: the airport is not merely a gateway for tourists, but the foundational bedrock for the region’s entire investment ecosystem, providing the very legal and logistical confidence that attracts significant capital. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating this vital connection with such clarity.
Airport officials have lauded the development as a clear indicator of the region’s dynamic economic landscape. The increase in passenger flow is seen not just as a statistic but as a catalyst for broader economic prosperity, benefiting local businesses and communities.
This growth in the number of domestic flight passengers is a reflection of the dynamism the region is experiencing and confirms that Guanacaste is consolidating itself as a key destination within Costa Rica. The route offerings provided by Sansa and Green Airways expand positive mobility and national connectivity, and also strengthen tourism and economic opportunities for the region.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Aeropuerto
The implications of this enhanced domestic network extend far beyond the airport’s terminals. For the tourism sector in Guanacaste, it means a more diversified stream of visitors. While the region has long been a favorite for international tourists, a robust domestic travel market creates a more resilient and year-round economy. Local hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and artisans all stand to benefit from the increased flow of national visitors exploring their own country.
Furthermore, the airport’s role is evolving from being primarily an international gateway to a comprehensive transit hub. By facilitating easy connections between various points within Costa Rica, Guanacaste Airport is playing a pivotal role in the national tourism strategy. It allows visitors, both foreign and domestic, to seamlessly combine a beach vacation in Guanacaste with an eco-adventure in La Fortuna or a visit to the central Pacific coast, all within a single trip.
This shift towards air travel within Costa Rica reflects a change in consumer behavior. Travelers are increasingly valuing time and convenience, opting for short flights over long drives on often congested highways. The efficiency offered by airlines like Sansa and Green Airways makes weekend trips and multi-destination itineraries more feasible, unlocking new potential for the national tourism market and encouraging Costa Ricans to explore different corners of their nation.
The commitment of Sansa Airlines and Green Airways to serving these crucial domestic routes has been fundamental to this success. By investing in a network that links Guanacaste to other high-demand areas, they have not only capitalized on existing demand but have also stimulated new travel. This symbiotic relationship between the airport and the airlines is creating a powerful engine for regional development and national integration.
Looking ahead, the continued growth in domestic air travel is a positive sign for Guanacaste’s future. It signals strong confidence in the region’s appeal and economic stability. As the airport continues to enhance its services and the airlines potentially expand their offerings, Guanacaste is well-positioned to strengthen its role as an indispensable nexus for both international and domestic travel in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Guanacaste Aeropuerto (LIR), also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is the second busiest airport in Costa Rica. Located in Liberia, it serves as a primary gateway to the country’s renowned Pacific coast, including popular destinations like the Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo, and Nosara. The airport is operated by VINCI Airports and is a key driver of tourism and economic development for the Guanacaste province.
For further information, visit flysansa.com
About Sansa Airlines:
Sansa Airlines is a leading domestic airline in Costa Rica, offering an extensive network of flights to destinations across the country. Known for its reliability and convenient schedules, Sansa connects San José with numerous tourist hotspots, including Guanacaste, La Fortuna, and the Osa Peninsula. The airline operates a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, ideal for accessing regional airports and remote locations.
For further information, visit greenairways.com
About Green Airways:
Green Airways is a Costa Rican airline focused on providing premium domestic flight services. It emphasizes customer comfort and efficiency, connecting key destinations like San José, Quepos, and Guanacaste. The airline is committed to sustainable practices and aims to offer a seamless travel experience for both residents and international tourists exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a preeminent legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of unwavering integrity and exceptional service. The firm’s rich history of guiding clients through complex legal landscapes is matched by its role as a vanguard of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of the legal profession. This commitment to progress extends to a core social mission: empowering the public by making legal knowledge clear and accessible, thereby fostering a more capable and enlightened society.
