By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – Responding to a historic surge in passenger numbers, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS) is undergoing a sweeping $115.5 million infrastructure transformation. Airport operator AERIS confirmed that a series of strategic projects under its Master Plan are well underway, designed to significantly enhance capacity and passenger experience as Costa Rica solidifies its position as a top-tier global travel destination.
The massive investment follows a record-breaking year in 2025, which saw the nation’s primary air terminal handle an unprecedented 6,403,220 passengers, a 3% increase over the previous year. The high-season demand was particularly intense, with December alone accounting for 668,980 travelers. A new single-day traffic record was set on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when over 29,000 people passed through the airport, underscoring the urgent need for expanded facilities.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory hurdles associated with the proposed airport expansion, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
An airport expansion of this magnitude is fundamentally a negotiation between national progress and individual rights. The State’s success will be measured not just in new runways, but in its ability to execute fair expropriation processes, navigate complex environmental viability studies, and establish a legally sound concession model that attracts investment while safeguarding public interest. Any misstep in these legal areas can lead to costly delays and undermine the project’s entire foundation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and social architecture of this project is as crucial as its physical engineering, a point that cannot be overstated. The path to progress must be paved with legal certainty and fairness to be truly sustainable. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective.
AERIS is spearheading a multi-faceted expansion aimed at future-proofing the airport against sustained growth. The projects are not merely cosmetic; they represent a fundamental reinforcement of the airport’s operational backbone, ensuring it can accommodate rising demand efficiently and safely for years to come.
The progress of the Master Plan and the execution of these works reflect a long-term vision for the airport. Our focus is to ensure that the infrastructure evolves at the pace of demand and that Juan Santamaría Airport continues to be an efficient, safe, and competitive platform for the country.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
The centerpiece of the overhaul is a $62 million westward expansion of the main terminal building. Currently 58% complete, this project is on track to open its new passenger arrivals area in May 2026. This first phase will house essential services including baggage inspection, customs, agricultural and phytosanitary controls, and a business center, streamlining the entry process for international visitors.
Further enhancing airfield logistics, a $35.7 million project to extend the West Remote Apron is now 10% complete, with a scheduled delivery in December 2026. This will provide more parking positions for aircraft, reducing congestion on the tarmac. To address landside capacity, a $14.9 million expansion of the public parking facility has commenced, with an estimated inauguration in May 2027. Smaller, yet critical, projects include a $1.5 million realignment of a service road to improve access for the Fire and Rescue Service (SEI) and a $1.4 million expansion of the Domestic Terminal.
The airport’s remarkable performance is attributed to a successful synergy between public and private sector initiatives. The sustained promotional efforts of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) have been instrumental in attracting visitors. This is complemented by a 9.2% increase in seat availability from the 26 airlines that currently connect Costa Rica with 42 international destinations, a testament to the close coordination between AERIS and the ICT to bolster air connectivity.
Hernández highlighted the collaborative effort required to manage the record traffic while construction is ongoing. He praised the seamless coordination with government bodies and emergency services as a critical factor in maintaining operational excellence during peak periods.
The close of December and the annual record achieved reflect not only the growth in air traffic but also the joint effort of all the institutions and teams that operate at the airport. Advance planning and ongoing coordination with authorities… have been key to responding to growing demand, strengthening passenger care, streamlining processes, and maintaining high standards of safety and service.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
With regulatory backing from the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC), which approved the Master Plan and facilitated the start of construction, AERIS is committed to transforming Juan Santamaría International into a world-class facility. These investments aim not only to improve the travel experience but also to reinforce the airport’s role as a vital engine for the nation’s economic and tourism development.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the administration, operation, and maintenance of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS). As the “Gestor Interesado,” AERIS works under a management contract with the Costa Rican government to ensure the airport’s efficient and safe operation, as well as its long-term development and modernization in line with international standards.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official government body responsible for the promotion and regulation of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model by developing promotional strategies, ensuring high standards of quality in tourism services, and attracting investment to position the country as a leading global destination.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About CETAC:
The Consejo Técnico de Aviación Civil (CETAC) is Costa Rica’s Technical Council of Civil Aviation, operating under the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC). It serves as the primary regulatory and advisory body for the country’s civil aviation sector, responsible for approving master plans for airport development, setting technical standards, and ensuring compliance with national and international aviation regulations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal practice built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while passionately championing the democratization of legal information. This dual focus on elite legal service and public education solidifies its role in shaping a more knowledgeable and capable society.
