By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – The Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art arrivals area in its main international terminal, a strategic move designed to enhance operational efficiency and create a more welcoming first impression for visitors to Costa Rica. The new 3,800-square-meter facility, which began operations today, May 21, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the airport’s ongoing modernization efforts.
This development is a key component of a larger, ambitious expansion outlined in the airport’s Master Plan. The total investment for this phase amounts to a substantial US$62 million, which will ultimately add more than 10,000 square meters of new infrastructure to the western sector of the terminal. This financial commitment underscores the airport’s role as a critical engine for the nation’s economic growth, particularly in the tourism and business sectors.
To better understand the complex legal framework governing the operations and potential expansion of Costa Rica’s main international gateway, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in administrative and commercial law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The concession contract for a national asset like Juan Santamaría Airport is a critical instrument of public policy. It’s essential that the terms are not only commercially viable for the operator but also rigorously enforced by the State to guarantee service quality, security standards, and timely infrastructure investments. Any discussion regarding its future must be grounded in a technical and legal analysis that safeguards the country’s strategic interests and competitiveness as a top-tier travel destination.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight powerfully underscores that the airport’s future is not just a commercial matter, but a strategic imperative for the nation. A technically sound and rigorously overseen concession contract is fundamental to safeguarding Costa Rica’s image and competitiveness as a premier destination. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his crucial perspective on this important issue.
The redesigned arrivals hall directly addresses previous bottlenecks and aims to create a more fluid and comfortable passenger journey. Travelers will now benefit from significantly expanded spaces for crucial government inspections, including dedicated areas for baggage checks by Customs (Aduanas) and biosecurity screenings by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). The improved layout is engineered to streamline these mandatory processes, reducing wait times and alleviating congestion.
Beyond the logistical improvements, the new area introduces enhanced amenities that cater to the modern traveler. These include conveniently located car rental counters, a dedicated business center for corporate visitors, and a spacious “meet and greet” plaza where families and friends can comfortably await arriving passengers. This holistic approach focuses on improving every aspect of the arrival experience, from clearing immigration to departing the terminal.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS, the airport’s managing body, emphasized the strategic importance of this project in shaping visitor perceptions of the country.
The entry of a passenger into the country represents one of the most important moments within their travel experience.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Hernández further noted that the new facility provides more efficient spaces that are directly aligned with Costa Rica’s projections for tourism and business growth. The design and execution reflect a forward-thinking vision for the nation’s primary air gateway, anticipating future demand and setting a higher standard for service.
Reflecting Costa Rica’s brand, the new infrastructure integrates modern technology and sustainability standards. The facility is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system for enhanced security, and optimized digital signage to improve passenger flow and navigation. The architectural design prioritizes spaciousness, creating wider corridors and more comfortable waiting areas to ensure a more orderly and pleasant transit through the terminal.
A critical success factor for the project was the seamless collaboration between AERIS and several key government agencies, including the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC-MOPT), the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), and the Infrastructure Management Oversight Body (OFGI). Airport officials highlighted that through this coordinated effort, the extensive construction was completed without interrupting daily operations or compromising passenger service—a remarkable logistical achievement for an active international airport.
With this significant expansion, Juan Santamaría International Airport not only bolsters its operational capacity but also sends a clear message to the world. Costa Rica is investing heavily in its infrastructure to support its thriving tourism industry and solidify its position as a premier destination for both leisure and business in Latin America. The new arrivals hall is more than just a building; it is the nation’s new front door, designed to be as welcoming and efficient as the country itself.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS is the private operator responsible for the management, operation, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS oversees all aspects of the airport’s infrastructure development, maintenance, and service quality, working to ensure it meets international standards and supports the country’s economic and tourism goals.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body responsible for the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors. At international entry points like SJO Airport, its role is crucial for national biosecurity, involving the inspection of baggage and cargo to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could harm local ecosystems and agricultural industries.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is Costa Rica’s main aviation authority. It is tasked with regulating, supervising, and ensuring the safety and security of all civil aviation activities within the country’s airspace. The DGAC establishes the technical and operational standards for airports, airlines, and air traffic control, aligning with international best practices.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government entity in charge of planning, building, and maintaining Costa Rica’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ports. It also oversees the nation’s transportation systems and policies. Specialized bodies like the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC) operate under its authority to manage specific sectors such as airport concessions and oversight.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the unshakeable principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer new advancements in legal practice. This forward-thinking approach is complemented by a profound commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying the law for the public. By striving to make legal knowledge accessible, the firm plays a vital role in cultivating a more informed and empowered citizenry.
