Work is underway to expand aircraft parking facilities at Daniel Oduber-Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste Province, as officials seek to increase the airport's capacity and accommodate continued growth in air travel.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) said construction crews are building four additional parking positions for executive jets. Two more parking areas will also be added to accommodate aircraft up to 24 meters (79 feet) in length.

The $6.6 million project is designed to modernize and optimize airport operations while keeping pace with increasing air traffic and meeting international aviation standards.

According to authorities, construction is not affecting airport operations, and flights and passenger services continue without interruptions.

The expansion comes as passenger traffic continues to grow. The Guanacaste airport welcomed more than 608,000 travelers through June 2026, said the Tourism Institute (ICT). During the first half of 2026, Costa Rica received more than 1.6 million international visitors arriving by air.

Government projections estimate the airport will sustain annual passenger growth of about 4.5% over the coming decades, reaching nearly 4 million passengers by 2053.

Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2026, in time for the start of the country's peak tourism season.

Air service to Guanacaste also continues to expand. Recently, Chicago-based United Airlines announced a new daily nonstop route between Washington, D.C., and Guanacaste Airport, providing additional travel options for visitors from the United States.

Costa Rica's tourism industry has also reached a major economic milestone. During the first quarter of 2026, the country generated more than $2 billion in tourism revenue, marking the first time it has surpassed that level.

In 2025, Costa Rica welcomed more than 2.6 million visitors who arrived by air.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is Costa Rica's second-busiest international airport. It was named in honor of Luis Daniel Oduber Quirós, who served as the country's 37th president from 1974 to 1978.

The  ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a tourism destination and supporting the country's tourism industry.

The MOPT is responsible for enforcing traffic regulations and promoting road safety throughout Costa Rica.

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What additional improvements would you like to see at Guanacaste Airport to enhance the passenger experience?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com