Costa Rica’s busiest airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela Province, inaugurated a new passenger arrivals area on Thursday, announced the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

According to the authorities, the new area is part of a broader expansion project designed to improve services for the growing number of travelers passing through the country’s main international gateway.

The new facilities cover approximately 3,800 square meters and include car rental and taxi services, baggage inspection and customs control facilities, restrooms, a relaxation area, automated border control systems known as eGates, free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations and self-check-in kiosks, among other amenities.

MOPT said the new section is part of a larger airport expansion project currently under construction and valued at approximately $62.2 million.

The project is being developed on the western side of the existing terminal and will add about 16,500 square meters of new space.

The expanded terminal will include three levels: a basement dedicated to baggage handling, a second floor for international arrivals and a third floor for international departures. Plans also include administrative offices, a customs area and additional retail space.

The full airport expansion is expected to be completed in 2027.

With passenger traffic continuing to rise, officials project that SJO will handle approximately 6.5 million passengers annually by 2027. Based on current growth trends, that figure is expected to exceed 10 million passengers by 2042.

Official data showed that SJO handled nearly 591,000 passengers during the first quarter of 2026.

In 2025, the airport welcomed more than 1.74 million travelers.

As Costa Rica’s tourism industry continues to expand, international airlines are increasing service to the country. Germany’s flagship carrier, Lufthansa, announced this week that it plans to increase nonstop flights between Frankfurt Airport and SJO.

MOPT oversees the planning and construction of roads, airports and maritime ports in Costa Rica, in addition to regulating public transportation.

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What additional improvements should Costa Rica prioritize at SJO? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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