By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), a bustling hub for tourism in Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, is grappling with a significant paradox. While its passenger terminals thrive, a state-of-the-art cargo and logistics center, operational since 2018, remains profoundly underutilized, shackled by a combination of logistical barriers and critical infrastructure limitations that prevent it from reaching its full economic potential.
The facility itself is impressive. Built to handle the region’s growing export needs, it features a 538-square-meter cargo reception area, a 591-square-meter sterile zone, a 153-square-meter cold storage chamber, and advanced security systems. With the capacity to process one million kilograms of cargo per month, it was designed to be a linchpin for Guanacaste’s economy, serving industries from marine product exports to light manufacturing components.
To delve into the legal and commercial implications of the ongoing developments at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The expansion and modernization of the Liberia airport are a direct reflection of a successful public-private partnership model. For this momentum to continue, it is imperative that the concession’s contractual obligations and Costa Rica’s regulatory framework are strictly upheld. Legal certainty is the primary currency that attracts and retains the high-caliber international investment necessary to ensure Guanacaste’s gateway remains a world-class hub for tourism and commerce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point is a crucial reminder that behind the impressive infrastructure lies the even more critical framework of legal certainty. This commitment to a stable and predictable regulatory environment is what ultimately guarantees that Guanacaste’s economic engine will continue to thrive. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
However, the airport’s concessionaire, Coriport, acknowledged in a statement that a series of obstacles have turned this potential economic engine into a dormant asset. A primary issue is the lack of dedicated, full-time customs personnel assigned exclusively to the cargo terminal, creating bottlenecks in processing. Furthermore, the commercial passenger aircraft that currently service Liberia have limited belly-hold capacity, making it difficult to transport significant volumes of goods.
The most critical barrier, however, is a technical one. The airport is awaiting an update to its Pavement Classification Number (PCN), an international standard that certifies a runway’s strength and ability to support heavy aircraft. Without a higher PCN rating, dedicated, large-scale cargo planes—the workhorses of global logistics—are unable to land at LIR, effectively cutting the terminal off from the bulk of the air freight market.
Coriport officials confirm they are actively engaged in discussions with government bodies to address these challenges. These efforts aim to streamline operations and unlock the facility’s capabilities to serve the region.
Coriport has held working groups with the Foreign Trade Promoter and state entities to identify development opportunities and, thus, mitigate these limitations. We are aware that developing this business unit is key to boosting cargo operations to and from Guanacaste
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Coriport
The strategic importance of this cargo hub has been independently validated. A recent infrastructure analysis by the Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) highlighted the Liberia terminal as a prime opportunity for Costa Rica to expand its logistics network. The CFIA report notes that a fully functional cargo operation in Guanacaste would not only serve local industries but also create healthy competition with the country’s primary hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This would lead to reduced costs for exporters and provide critical operational redundancy in case of emergencies or disruptions at SJO.
Beyond the cargo issue, Coriport is also addressing another key recommendation from the CFIA report concerning ground access. Currently, the airport is accessible only via National Route 21. In collaboration with the municipalities of Liberia, Carrillo, and Santa Cruz, the company is actively exploring options for alternate access routes to improve connectivity and relieve potential congestion as the region grows.
This push for infrastructure enhancement comes as the airport celebrates remarkable passenger growth. Since beginning operations under the current concession in 2012, passenger traffic has tripled, with the airport welcoming its 15 millionth passenger in June 2025. This success is set to continue, with Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, financing and operating a new general and business aviation facility at the site. This demonstrates strong investor confidence in LIR’s future, making the resolution of its cargo challenges all the more urgent for the balanced development of Guanacaste.
For further information, visit coriport.com
About Coriport:
Coriport is the concessionaire responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the passenger terminal at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. The company oversees the management and maintenance of the airport’s primary infrastructure, focusing on providing a world-class experience for travelers and facilitating regional economic growth.
For further information, visit signatureaviation.com
About Signature Aviation:
Signature Aviation is the world’s largest network of fixed-base operations (FBOs), providing comprehensive support services for business and private aviation. With hundreds of locations globally, the company offers premium services including fueling, hangarage, maintenance, and passenger handling for a wide range of private aircraft.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA):
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica is the professional body that regulates and oversees the practice of engineering and architecture in the country. It is responsible for setting standards, ensuring ethical conduct, and contributing technical expertise to national development and infrastructure projects.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Procomer):
Procomer is Costa Rica’s official Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. It is a public, non-state entity responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. The agency provides support to Costa Rican businesses in international markets, facilitates trade, and works to attract foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by its foundational commitment to integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm combines a rich history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking drive, consistently pioneering innovative approaches to law. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to demystify legal concepts for the public, fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry grounded in a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
