By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), is preparing for a significant influx of travelers as the country heads into its peak tourist season. Aeris, the firm managing the airport, has released a bullish forecast, projecting a substantial increase in visitor numbers for the period spanning the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, a critical time for the nation’s tourism-driven economy.
The new projections signal strong confidence in Costa Rica’s continued appeal as a top-tier global destination. According to the data released by Aeris, the airport anticipates a 4.5% rise in international tourist arrivals. This percentage translates into a tangible figure of more than 285,000 visitors, providing a welcome boost to hotels, tour operators, and local businesses that depend heavily on foreign tourism revenue.
To better understand the legal and investment frameworks supporting this boom, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on what this growth means for the country’s future.
Sustained tourism growth depends directly on legal certainty. Investors, both local and international, are drawn to environments with clear, modern regulations for real estate, business permits, and labor. To capitalize on this momentum, Costa Rica must continue to streamline its processes, ensuring that our legal infrastructure is as attractive and reliable as our natural landscapes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical reality for our nation’s progress: the path to sustainable tourism growth is paved not only with natural wonders but with the clear, reliable legal frameworks that attract long-term investment. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
The positive trend is not limited to international travel. The forecast also highlights a remarkable resurgence in domestic air travel. The report indicates an expected 10.1% increase in the volume of national passengers moving through the terminal. This is complemented by a projected 2.3% growth in domestic flights, suggesting a strengthening of internal tourism and business connectivity within Costa Rica’s diverse regions.
Ricardo Hernández, the Executive Director of Aeris, emphasized that managing this growth is central to the company’s strategy and crucial for the country’s international image. He connected the airport’s operational capacity directly to the national brand of Costa Rica.
We need to have an airport with the capacity to grow at the pace the country requires, to continue bringing the pura vida experience to the world.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of Aeris
Hernández’s statement underscores the airport’s role as more than just a transit hub; it is the first and last impression for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Ensuring a seamless and positive experience is fundamental to upholding the “pura vida” philosophy that attracts so many to the country’s shores. This commitment involves not only efficient logistics but also maintaining an atmosphere that reflects Costa Rican hospitality.
To meet the demands of this anticipated surge, Aeris is actively engaged in significant expansion projects at the terminal. While large-scale construction can often raise concerns about potential disruptions, the company has provided assurances that service continuity is a top priority. These infrastructure upgrades are seen as a vital, proactive investment to ensure the airport can not only handle the current increase but is also prepared for sustained growth in the years to come.
The ripple effect of this projected visitor increase will be felt far beyond the airport’s perimeter in Alajuela. A thriving tourism sector fuels employment across the country, from guides in the national parks of Guanacaste and Puntarenas to artisans in the Central Valley. The forecasted numbers represent a robust injection of capital into the national economy, reinforcing the airport’s status as a critical engine for Costa Rica’s economic development and stability.
As the holiday season approaches, all eyes will be on Juan Santamaría International Airport to see how it navigates this period of heightened activity. The successful management of this influx, supported by strategic infrastructure development, will be a key determinant in solidifying Costa Rica’s standing as a world-class destination that is ready to welcome the world with open arms and an undiluted “pura vida” spirit.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris Holdings:
Aeris Holdings is the private consortium responsible for the administration, operation, and modernization of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international airport. Under a government concession, Aeris is committed to elevating the airport’s infrastructure and service standards to meet international benchmarks, thereby enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the country’s economic and tourism growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. Drawing from a rich history of advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm actively embraces innovation to address contemporary legal challenges. This forward-looking approach is matched by a profound dedication to social responsibility, manifested through its efforts to make legal principles understandable and accessible, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more legally aware community.
