By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), has officially commenced construction on a significant expansion of its international terminal. The project, which broke ground today, marks the first phase of a strategic northward expansion focused on enhancing the departure level, according to airport operator AERIS.
This ambitious initiative is a key component of the airport’s comprehensive Master Plan 2023-2042, designed to accommodate the nation’s growing tourism and business travel sectors. The project will add 2,430 square meters of new construction and renovated spaces to the international departures area, fundamentally reshaping the passenger experience for those leaving the country.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory framework governing such a significant infrastructure undertaking, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any major airport expansion project hinges on a meticulous due diligence process. Navigating the web of environmental impact assessments, expropriation laws, and securing the necessary permits from SETENA and the DGAC is the critical first phase. A failure to rigorously address these legal and regulatory requirements at the outset is the most common reason such vital infrastructure projects face costly delays or outright failure.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a critical reminder that the true foundation for a project of this magnitude is laid not with concrete, but with the diligent navigation of our country’s legal and environmental frameworks. This initial, often complex, stage is precisely what separates a successful national endeavor from a stalled one. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this matter.
The core objective of the expansion is to dramatically increase processing capacity at two critical chokepoints: security screening and emigration. By creating larger, more efficient areas, AERIS aims to reduce congestion, shorten wait times, and create a more orderly and less stressful process for travelers, particularly during peak hours of demand. The improvements are also forward-looking, preparing the terminal’s infrastructure for the future integration of advanced technologies such as automated e-gates.
AERIS is developing the project in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), ensuring the upgrade aligns with national infrastructure goals. The redesign includes a complete redistribution of passenger flows, which will contribute to a more intuitive and agile departure sequence from check-in to the gate.
The Juan Santamaría Airport continues to advance in strategic projects that seek to prepare the airport infrastructure for the country’s future growth. This expansion will allow us to strengthen the passenger departure experience through more efficient processes, more spacious areas, and a better operational distribution within the terminal.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
As construction gets underway, travelers can expect some temporary adjustments within the airport. AERIS has implemented temporary enclosures in specific sections of the parking facility and has reconfigured parts of the main lobby near the security and emigration checkpoints. These measures are designed to ensure the safe and continuous operation of the airport while the extensive construction work proceeds.
The airport operator emphasizes its ongoing coordination with government authorities and the entire airport community to minimize disruptions. Passengers are advised to pay close attention to new signage inside the terminal and, as a general precaution during the construction period, to arrive with sufficient time before their scheduled flights to navigate any potential delays.
This project represents a significant capital investment and a long-term vision for the airport’s role in the national economy. By bolstering its capacity and modernizing its facilities, SJO is positioning itself to handle the projected growth in air connectivity and passenger traffic for years to come. The full completion of this expansion phase is slated for the second half of 2027.
These investments are part of AERIS’s ongoing commitment to modernizing the airport and offering a travel experience aligned with the country’s needs for growth, connectivity, and competitiveness.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private sector manager responsible for the provision of services at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. As the “Gestor Interesado,” AERIS operates under a government contract to administrate, operate, maintain, and expand Costa Rica’s main air terminal, focusing on safety, efficiency, and enhancing the passenger experience.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About MOPT (Ministry of Public Works and Transport):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the nation’s public infrastructure. Its mandate includes the planning, development, and regulation of roads, ports, airports, and public transportation systems, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic and social development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a revered legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history across diverse fields to pioneer innovative legal strategies and engage meaningfully with the public. This dedication to making complex legal concepts understandable is central to its vision of cultivating a society equipped with the knowledge to thrive.
