QCOSTARICA — Costa Rica’s main international airport, the Juan Santamaría International Airport or San José Airport (SJO) begins the first works of its Master Plan, a strategic project that will modernize its infrastructure and optimize the passenger experience.
The total investment will be approximately US$390 million and consists of several stages.
The initial stage includes an initial investment of US$166 million and consists of the expansion of the terminal, the construction of a new remote platform, and the modernization of the baggage handling system.
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This plan, led by AERIS, the airport operator, is being developed in coordination with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC), and the Supervisory Body of Interested Management, with the goal of strengthening the competitiveness of Costa Rica’s main airport at the regional and international levels.
First Works of the Master Plan
The Master Plan establishes key improvements in different areas of the airport, aligned with growing passenger demand and airport infrastructure trends.
The first works include:
- Expansion of the International Terminal: More than 10,000 m² will be added to the west, increasing operational capacity and improving passenger comfort.
- Construction of a new remote apron: It will have 35,000 m² of pavement for wide-body aircraft and 40,000 m² of service roads.
- Modernization of the baggage handling system: An automated system will be implemented in the terminal basement, improving baggage processing efficiency.
- Expansion of the departures area: The lobby level will be expanded to the north, optimizing passenger flows at security checkpoints and pre-boarding.
The execution of these works will bring multiple benefits for both passengers and airport operations.
With the expansion of the terminal and the optimization of its spaces, travelers will have more comfortable and functional areas that will facilitate their transit through the airport.
In turn, the modernization of the baggage handling system will streamline the check-in and baggage claim processes, ensuring greater efficiency and reducing wait times.
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Furthermore, the project incorporates international standards in sustainability and infrastructure, promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems that minimize environmental impact.
These improvements will also contribute to consolidating the AIJS’s position as a benchmark for sustainability in the region, strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the airport sector.
“This project is a key step in consolidating Juan Santamaría Airport as a benchmark in infrastructure and service. The public-private partnership is essential for the country’s development, and this investment reflects our commitment to Costa Rica’s connectivity and growth. We continue to make progress in modernizing AIJS to offer a “Pura Vida” travel experience,” said Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS.
During the execution of these works, AERIS has implemented a mitigation plan to ensure that airport operations and the passenger experience are not affected. As part of this effort, appropriate enclosures have been established in the construction areas to prevent dust and noise pollution, ensuring that the work is carried out without compromising user comfort. Likewise, close coordination is maintained with airlines, businesses, and other airport stakeholders to mitigate any potential impact on operational flows.
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The Master Plan establishes an execution horizon with additional projects such as the expansion of the departures area, the implementation of new technologies in passenger processing, and improvements to the cargo infrastructure.
“AIJS is evolving to meet the demands of the future. These works are just the beginning of a transformation process that will guarantee a more modern, efficient, and sustainable airport,” concluded Hernández.
With this strategic investment, Juan Santamaría Airport reaffirms its commitment to excellence in air operations and Costa Rica’s connectivity with the world.
The projects are expected to take one year and nine months to complete.
Growing Air Traffic in San José
The total traffic (arrivals and departures) at the SJO for 2024 was 6,204,906 passengers in According to the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Costa Rica tourism board – Costa Rica received 2.66 million air travelers in 2024, the highest figure in 16 years, marking a 7.7% increase compared to 2023.
2024, reaching its maximum operational capacity. The airport concessionaire Aeris projects that the airport’s capacity will increase to 10.4 million by 2042.
Currently, 28 airlines operate at SJO, offering flights to 42 destinations, with the United States as the primary market.
Some of the airlines operating at SJO include:
- Aeroméxico – Mexico City
- Air Canada – Montreal and Toronto
- Air France – Paris/Charles de Gaulle
- Air Transat – Montreal and Toronto
- Alaska Airlines – Los Angeles
- American Airlines – Charlotte/Douglas, Dallas/Fort Worth
- Arajet – Santo Domingo/Las Américas
- Avianca – Bogotá, Cartagena, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Panama City, Guayaquil, Managua, Medellín/Rionegro, Miami, Quito, San José, San Juan, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador, Washington/Dulles
- British Airways – London/Gatwick
- Copa Airlines – Guatemala City, Panama City, Managua
- Costa Rica Green Airways* – Cobano, Puerto Jiménez, Quepos
- Delta Air Lines – Atlanta, Los Angeles
- Edelweiss – Zurich
- Frontier – Atlanta
- JetBlue – Fort Lauderdale, New York, Orlando
- GOL – São Paulo/Guarulhos, Brazil
- Iberia – Madrid, Spain
- Iberojet – Madrid, Spain
- KLM – Amsterdam
- LATAM – Lima, Peru
- Lufthansa – Frankfurt, Germany
- SANSA* – Bocas del Toro, Managua, and various domestic destinations
- Spirit Airlines – Fort Lauderdale, Orlando
- Southwest Airlines – Baltimore, Denver, Houston/Hobby, Orlando
- United Airlines – Chicago/O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington/Dulles
- Volaris – Cancún, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, Orlando, San Salvador, Tulum
- Wingo – Bogotá, Medellín/Rionegro
* local flights
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