No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaSJO expects to handle nearly 3 million passengers during tourism high season

SJO expects to handle nearly 3 million passengers during tourism high season

Juan Santamaría International Airport, Costa Rica’s largest and most important international gateway, expects to handle nearly 3 million passengers during the 2019-20 tourism high season.

According to data from authorities, the Alajuela airport is projecting 2.9 million passengers will transit through its doors from November 2019 through April 2020. That would mark a 5% increase over the same period in 2018-19.

“Year after year, we prepare to receive the most important movement of passengers, taking care of that first or last impression that a passenger will take from Costa Rica,” said Rafael Mencía, Executive Director of AERIS, the company that administrates the airport. 

Airport authorities say the international terminal now features 30 self-check-in kiosks, allowing for shorter lines.

The airport has also undergone recent renovations that include the addition of a new taxiway, four new boarding gates and a new VIP lounge.

“We have the necessary infrastructure to strengthen international and domestic connections from the Juan Santamaría Airport,” Mencía said. “The investments of recent years have allowed the efficiency of the airport to be maximized so that all airlines are better served in space and efficiency when landing or taking off.” 

Trending Now

Costa Rica Sets National Parks Set Record But One Park Draws Just 26 People

Costa Rica's protected areas drew a record 2,970,516 total visits in 2025, a 13.7% increase over the prior year, according to figures attributed to...

Costa Rica Braces for a Wet Weekend as Forecasters Watch a Possible Tropical System

Costa Rica is heading into a rainy, unstable weekend, with the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) warning Saturday that a low-pressure system sitting over Pacific...

Costa Rica Under Green Alert as Heavy Rains Raise Flood and Landslide Risk

Costa Rica has been placed under a nationwide green alert as authorities warn of heavier rains, saturated soils, and a growing risk of flooding...

That Shell on a Costa Rica Beach Could Cost You Thousands

It looks innocent enough. A beautiful spiral shell sitting on the sand, worn smooth by the waves, glinting in the afternoon light. The instinct...

Canatur Criticizes Ride-Sharing Apps Being Used to Promote Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s main tourism chamber is pushing back against the use of ride-sharing platforms in official tourism promotion, arguing that public and private campaigns...

The Costa Rica Taxi Rule Every Newcomer Learns Fast

Newcomers to Costa Rica have to adjust to certain cultural and lifestyle habits here. A short list might include rice and beans being a...

Costa Rica Faces England in Orlando in Major Test Before World Cup Begins

Costa Rica faces England on Wednesday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in one of La Sele’s most high-profile friendly matches in years....

Costa Rica Bicycle Program Aims to Help Rural Students Reach School

For children in Costa Rica’s most remote communities, the distance between home and school is not measured in minutes. It is measured in hours...

Mexico vs South Africa Headlines World Cup 2026 Opening Day

After four years of waiting, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today, with the biggest and most expanded edition of the tournament in...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel