By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Puntarenas, Costa Rica – The ambitious plan to construct the Southern Zone International Airport has entered a critical new phase, pivoting from blueprints to archaeology. Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has officially confirmed that a comprehensive archaeological rescue operation will take place on the proposed airport grounds during the first half of 2026, marking a mandatory step before any construction can commence.
This decision is the direct result of a preliminary archaeological evaluation conducted in 2024. The joint assessment, carried out by the DGAC in partnership with the National Museum of Costa Rica (MNCR), uncovered significant historical findings. Experts identified 12 distinct locations, or “active points,” across the property that contain cultural evidence, indicating a rich presence of pre-Columbian history buried beneath the surface.
To gain a deeper understanding of the complex legal and investment landscape surrounding the proposed Southern Zone International Airport, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into the project’s potential impacts and the legal frameworks that will govern its development.
The development of the Southern Zone Airport represents a monumental shift for the region, but its success hinges on legal certainty and transparent processes. Potential investors, both national and international, will be closely scrutinizing the government’s handling of land expropriations, environmental permitting, and the structuring of any public-private partnership. A clear, streamlined regulatory framework is not just a legal necessity; it is the cornerstone for attracting the high-quality, long-term investment required to make this project a sustainable reality rather than a source of legal conflict.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis underscores a crucial point: the legal framework is not merely a procedural step, but the very foundation upon which investor confidence and the project’s long-term success will be built. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and insightful perspective on this pivotal matter.
Under Costa Rican law, such discoveries trigger a formal and rigorous process to safeguard the nation’s heritage. The presence of these artifacts makes a full-scale archaeological salvage operation not just a recommendation but a legal prerequisite. This measure ensures that invaluable historical and cultural assets are carefully recovered, studied, and preserved before the landscape is irrevocably altered by large-scale infrastructure projects.
The rescue mission is structured as an inter-institutional agreement between the DGAC, the project’s primary developer, and the MNCR, the country’s foremost authority on national heritage. The operation is meticulously planned to span approximately six months, with a timeline strategically designed to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. The fieldwork, involving careful excavation, is scheduled for four months during the region’s dry season, from roughly February to June 2026, to ensure optimal conditions.
Following the intensive period of excavation, the process will move from the field to the laboratory. An additional two months have been allocated for the crucial post-recovery work. During this time, specialists at the National Museum will undertake the painstaking tasks of cleaning, analyzing, cataloging, and registering every artifact retrieved from the site. This scientific analysis is vital for understanding the historical context and significance of the findings.
The timeline confirmed by officials places the entire archaeological endeavor between February and August of 2026. This schedule highlights a delicate balance between advancing a key national infrastructure project and upholding the country’s profound commitment to preserving its past. The airport is seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth in the Southern Zone, promising to boost tourism and trade, yet this development cannot proceed at the expense of cultural erasure.
Once the archaeological rescue is formally concluded and the recovered heritage is secured, the DGAC can proceed to the next major bureaucratic hurdles. The agency will then initiate the contracting process for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a comprehensive study required for all major construction. Concurrently, the MNCR will take the lead on preparing a detailed Heritage Impact Study, which will build upon the findings from the rescue mission.
Ultimately, the mandated archaeological salvage operation underscores a mature approach to national development. It demonstrates a recognition that progress is not solely measured in concrete and commerce, but also in the responsible stewardship of the historical legacy that defines the nation. For the Southern Zone International Airport, the path to the future first requires a careful journey into the past.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government body responsible for regulating, overseeing, and promoting civil aviation in Costa Rica. Its duties include managing the country’s airports, ensuring air traffic safety, and developing infrastructure to support national and international air transport, playing a key role in the nation’s connectivity and economic development.
For further information, visit museocostarica.go.cr
About the National Museum of Costa Rica (MNCR):
The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica is the leading institution dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibition of Costa Rica’s cultural and natural heritage. Housed in the historic Bellavista Fortress, it holds vast collections in archaeology, anthropology, and natural history, serving as the principal guardian of the nation’s historical memory and pre-Columbian legacy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pioneering innovative legal solutions while remaining deeply committed to its mission of empowering the community. This dedication is manifested through a concerted effort to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby fostering a society that is not only well-advised but also genuinely informed.
