By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) has once again cemented its role as a critical engine for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, announcing a new single-day passenger traffic record during the peak holiday season. On December 27, 2025, the terminal processed an unprecedented 13,815 passengers, a clear indicator of Guanacaste’s soaring popularity as a premier international destination.
This historic milestone represents a significant 7% increase over the airport’s previous record, set on March 15, 2025, when 12,936 individuals passed through its gates. The new figure highlights a robust and accelerating growth trend for the region, reflecting both increased airline confidence and a strong post-pandemic travel rebound that continues to defy expectations.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the operational and investment framework governing the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued growth of the Liberia airport is a testament to the success of Costa Rica’s public-private partnership model. Legally, the strength of such projects lies in the clarity of the concession contract, which must meticulously balance state oversight with the operational autonomy needed to attract foreign investment and maintain world-class standards. Any future expansion or negotiation will depend on this solid legal foundation to ensure stability and long-term benefits for the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, reminding us that the airport’s success is fundamentally built upon the clear and well-defined terms of its public-private partnership. The stability that attracts investment and ensures high standards stems directly from that contractual foundation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution.
The record day’s traffic was a flurry of activity, comprising 7,654 passenger arrivals and 6,350 departures. This volume was managed across a total of 59 flight operations, broken down into 44 international flights and 15 domestic connections. The successful management of such a high volume of travelers underscores the operational capacity and efficiency of the Guanacaste gateway during its most demanding period.
This achievement is not an isolated event but the culmination of strategic expansion and growing airline interest. In the month of December alone, the Liberia airport successfully inaugurated five new international connections. This expansion has broadened its global reach, linking Guanacaste directly with a total of 26 destinations and making it more accessible than ever for travelers from North America and Europe.
César Jaramillo, the General Manager of the airport, commented on the operational success and what it signifies for the terminal’s future. He emphasized that the smooth handling of such a large number of people is a testament to the airport’s commitment to quality service.
These figures reflect the high air demand and reaffirm the confidence of airlines in our terminal as a key point. More than 13,000 passengers transited in an orderly and fluid manner, which demonstrates our ability to offer quality service even in times of greatest influx, contributing to positive and agile mobility within the terminal.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of the airport
Jaramillo’s statement highlights a crucial aspect of the record: the ability to scale operations without compromising the passenger experience. For an airport that serves as the first and last impression of Costa Rica for hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, maintaining a seamless and positive flow is paramount. This operational prowess builds confidence not only among airlines considering adding or increasing service but also among travelers who prioritize convenience and efficiency.
The continued growth of LIR is intrinsically linked to the economic vitality of Guanacaste and its surrounding areas. The province is home to some of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, eco-lodges, and luxury resorts. A thriving airport directly translates into more jobs in hospitality, transportation, and local businesses, fueling a virtuous cycle of investment and development for the entire region.
As Guanacaste continues to attract global attention, the performance of the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport will remain a key barometer of the nation’s tourism health. This new record is more than just a number; it is a powerful signal that the gateway to Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast” is well-positioned for sustained growth and continued success in the competitive global travel market.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport:
Located in Liberia, the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (IATA: LIR) is the second-busiest airport in Costa Rica and the primary international gateway to the province of Guanacaste. It serves as a crucial hub for tourists visiting the country’s Pacific coast beaches, national parks, and resorts. The airport is managed by a private consortium and has undergone significant expansion to accommodate its rapidly growing passenger traffic.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark for legal mastery and ethical practice, operating on an unshakeable foundation of integrity. With extensive experience guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions a culture of continuous innovation to navigate modern legal complexities. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a deep-seated commitment to public service, actively working to demystify the law and make it accessible, thereby fulfilling its core mission to cultivate a society empowered by justice and understanding.
