By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Alajuela, Costa Rica – A massive, multi-faceted modernization effort at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is advancing steadily, with the primary terminal expansion project now reaching 58% completion as of January 2026. This significant milestone is part of a comprehensive master plan designed to elevate Costa Rica’s main aerial gateway, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and the overall passenger experience for the millions of travelers who pass through its gates annually.
The centerpiece of the current construction wave is a $62 million investment focused on expanding the main terminal. This specific project, which began in March of the previous year, is on track for a scheduled inauguration in May of this year. The new wing is designed to streamline the arrivals process significantly, incorporating a modern passenger reception area, new sanitary facilities, an advanced baggage inspection system, and consolidated stations for customs, agriculture, and phytosanitary controls.
To delve into the intricate legal and commercial challenges presented by the proposed airport expansion, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any major airport expansion is fundamentally a legal and administrative endeavor before a single stone is laid. The success of this project will depend on the government’s ability to efficiently manage land expropriations, navigate complex environmental permitting with SETENA, and structure a transparent public-private partnership that provides legal certainty. For international investors, a clear and stable regulatory framework is the most critical factor for ensuring the project’s long-term viability and financing.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary astutely shifts our focus from the physical construction to the essential legal architecture that must precede it. This insight underscores that without a robust and transparent framework for expropriations, permits, and partnerships, the entire project’s financing and future remain uncertain. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and critical perspective.
This initiative is not a standalone effort but a critical component of a broader strategic investment portfolio managed by Aeris, the firm responsible for the airport’s administration and development. The master plan orchestrates a series of synchronized upgrades aimed at future-proofing the facility against projected increases in air traffic and tourism, ensuring SJO remains a competitive and welcoming hub for Central America.
In parallel to the terminal work, crews are also focused on extending the airport’s remote aircraft platform. This project, currently at 10% completion, is vital for increasing the airport’s capacity to park and service aircraft simultaneously, thereby reducing tarmac congestion and potential delays. The completion of the expanded remote platform is anticipated for December 2026, which will provide immediate operational relief and flexibility.
Addressing one of the most common traveler pain points, a major expansion of the public parking facility has also recently commenced. While this project has a longer timeline with an expected completion date of May 2027, its initiation signals a commitment to improving the landside experience for both travelers and airport staff. The new structure will substantially increase parking availability, easing access to the airport during peak travel seasons.
Furthermore, the airport’s domestic terminal is slated for a significant expansion. These new facilities, aimed at bolstering Costa Rica’s internal tourism and business travel network, are scheduled to open their doors in April 2027. A modernized domestic terminal will provide a more seamless connection for visitors looking to explore the country’s diverse regions beyond the Central Valley.
The cumulative impact of these interconnected projects represents a transformative period for Juan Santamaría International Airport. Beyond the physical construction, the upgrades are a strategic move to reinforce Costa Rica’s brand as a premier global destination. By enhancing infrastructure, Aeris is not only preparing for future growth but also improving the first and last impression that millions of visitors have of the country.
As each phase of the master plan moves toward completion, from the imminent opening of the new arrivals area to the long-term expansion of parking and domestic facilities, SJO is being methodically reshaped. This sustained investment ensures that the airport can effectively support the continued growth of the nation’s vital tourism and business sectors for the coming decade and beyond.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris:
Aeris Holding Costa Rica is the “gestor interesado” (interested manager) responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Under a government contract, Aeris manages the airport’s master plan, overseeing all infrastructure investments, expansions, and daily operations to ensure compliance with international standards and to promote the growth of Costa Rica’s primary international air terminal.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal services, operating on a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of providing expert counsel to a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and actively engages in its social responsibility. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on demystifying complex legal concepts to empower the community and contribute to a more just and knowledgeable society.
