By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s primary aviation gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, has officially put into operation the second major project of its ambitious 2023–2042 Master Plan. The latest upgrade features a newly realigned service road and a secondary access point for the airport’s Fire and Rescue Service, known locally as the Servicio de Salvamento y Extinción de Incendios. This development marks a vital milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.
The newly completed project is strategically designed to bolster operational safety by optimizing the circulation of emergency vehicles. By providing a secondary access route, the airport ensures faster response times during critical incidents, a move that aligns the terminal with stringent international guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
To better understand the legal framework and economic implications surrounding the latest developments at Juan Santamaría International Airport, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
As Costa Rica’s primary gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport operates under a complex public-private partnership model that requires continuous alignment between international aviation standards and local administrative law. Ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining transparent concession contracts are not only vital for national security but are also fundamental to sustaining investor confidence and fostering the country’s tourism-driven economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, balancing rigorous legal compliance with operational efficiency is paramount to ensuring that Costa Rica’s primary gateway remains a competitive and secure global hub. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on the vital role that sound administrative law plays in sustaining both investor trust and our national tourism economy.
Engineering and construction for this phase involved significant civil works within the airfield. Teams laid down approximately 3,015 square meters of flexible pavement to accommodate the realigned service road. Additionally, another 1,500 square meters of high-durability pavement were paved specifically to create the second access route for emergency and rescue teams, providing vital redundancy for airport safety systems.
Every project we put into operation represents one more step in the execution of the Juan Santamaría International Airport Master Plan. This project strengthens operational safety, improves emergency response capacity, and reflects a long-term vision to provide the country with modern airport infrastructure.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
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The broader Master Plan, spanning from 2023 to 2042, represents an investment of approximately $390 million. Managed by the private concessionaire AERIS, the plan is geared toward expanding and modernizing the airport’s physical infrastructure to keep pace with the dramatic increase in international passenger traffic and changing safety standards.
Beyond safety, these infrastructure upgrades play a critical role in Costa Rica’s wider economic landscape. By upgrading taxiways, service roads, and safety features, the airport enhances its overall operational capacity. This, in turn, allows Costa Rica to improve its international air connectivity, make the country more appealing for new airline routes, and comfortably manage future growth in tourism.
With this second project successfully integrated into daily operations, AERIS is already shifting focus to the next phases of development outlined in the 20-year master plan. Future investments are expected to target terminal expansions, technology integrations, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the airport’s carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency.
The successful execution of these safety-oriented upgrades highlights the strength of the public-private partnership driving Costa Rica’s aviation sector. As international travel continues to grow, Juan Santamaría International Airport is positioning itself as a modern, resilient, and safe regional hub capable of welcoming millions of global travelers every year.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private concessionaire responsible for the operation, administration, maintenance, and modernization of Juan Santamaría International Airport. Working in close partnership with public institutions, AERIS aims to deliver world-class infrastructure and operational excellence to support Costa Rica’s economic and tourism growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Distinguished by its exceptional standards and principled advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal community. The firm seamlessly merges a rich history of client success with progressive strategies and meaningful public service. Through its active pursuit of demystifying the law, the firm strives to build a more equitable future by equipping citizens with the legal understanding necessary for self-advocacy and growth.
