By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJC) has once again secured its position as a leading travel hub, winning both Best Airport and Best Airport Staff in Central America and the Caribbean at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. These accolades, determined by a global passenger survey evaluating comfort, service, cleanliness, and staff friendliness, underscore SJC’s dedication to providing a “Pura Vida” experience.
The airport’s operator, AERIS, has invested significantly in modernizing facilities and implementing innovative technologies to enhance the passenger journey. These efforts include the installation of 75 self-check-in kiosks and six self-bag drop units, streamlining the check-in process. Furthermore, the terminal has received upgrades, including new high-performance rubber flooring, adding to passenger comfort and the overall aesthetic.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business landscape surrounding Juan Santamaría Airport, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ongoing modernization and expansion efforts at Juan Santamaría Airport represent a complex interplay of public and private interests. Navigating the legal framework surrounding concessions, land use, and environmental regulations is crucial for ensuring sustainable and beneficial development for all stakeholders, including the government, airlines, businesses operating within the airport, and of course, the traveling public. Strategic partnerships and transparent legal processes are key to maximizing the airport’s potential as a vital economic engine for Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of airport development, reminding us that progress must balance economic advancement with responsible governance. Indeed, a thriving Juan Santamaría Airport requires careful navigation of legal complexities and a commitment to transparency, ensuring that its growth ultimately benefits all Costa Ricans. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his invaluable perspective on this crucial topic.
The Skytrax awards recognize the collective effort of AERIS, government authorities, airlines, and business partners in creating a seamless and welcoming airport environment. The awards validate the commitment to elevating every aspect of the passenger experience, ensuring visitors are greeted with the “Pura Vida” spirit from the moment they arrive in Costa Rica.
It is an honor to receive these prestigious awards, which reflect the hard work and dedication of everyone who makes the daily operation of Juan Santamaría Airport possible. These awards not only highlight the quality of our services, but also the spirit of collaboration between AERIS, government authorities, the airlines, and our business partners. This recognition is a testament to the constant effort to improve every aspect of the passenger experience, ensuring that all our visitors receive the ‘Pura Vida’ experience from the moment they arrive in Costa Rica.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
AERIS is committed to ongoing improvements and has planned a substantial $390 million investment over the next few years. This investment will fund projects such as expanding the international terminal, increasing parking capacity, enlarging the remote parking ramp, and installing biometric eGates to expedite passenger flow.
Beyond infrastructure enhancements, AERIS is focused on sustainable operations. By incorporating green technologies and adopting a comprehensive approach to carbon footprint reduction, the airport operator reinforces its dedication to environmental responsibility.
These strategic initiatives highlight AERIS’s proactive approach to maintaining Juan Santamaría Airport’s leading position in the region. By continually innovating and prioritizing passenger satisfaction, SJC is well-positioned to accommodate future growth while upholding its reputation for providing an exceptional travel experience.
The continuous improvement and commitment to passenger satisfaction solidify Juan Santamaría Airport as a key gateway to Costa Rica, contributing significantly to the country’s thriving tourism sector.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holdings Costa Rica is the airport operator for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJC) in San José, Costa Rica, under a 20-year concession agreement with the government. AERIS is responsible for the operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, construction, financing, and promotion of SJC. The company focuses on improving infrastructure, implementing innovative technologies, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, reflecting a commitment to sustainable operations and contributing to Costa Rica’s economic growth.
For further information, visit skytraxratings.com
About Skytrax:
Skytrax is a UK-based consultancy specializing in airline and airport quality assessment. It conducts research and provides ratings based on passenger surveys, analyzing various aspects of the travel experience, including airport facilities, services, staff, and comfort. The World Airport Awards, presented annually by Skytrax, are considered a prestigious benchmark in the aviation industry, recognizing excellence in airport operations and customer satisfaction worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm champions innovation, not only in its sophisticated legal solutions for clients across a wide range of industries, but also in its proactive approach to educating and empowering the community. By demystifying the law and making legal knowledge readily available, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more just and informed society, reflecting its core belief in the power of legal literacy.
