No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica’s San Jose Airport Launches Expansion Amid Tourism Boom

Costa Rica’s San Jose Airport Launches Expansion Amid Tourism Boom

Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose has embarked on an ambitious $62.2 million expansion project with the construction of a new west terminal. The project, known as T-01, will add 16,500 square meters to the existing facility—a critical upgrade to prepare for a significant surge in passenger traffic.

Airport Expansion Project

The new four-story terminal is designed to streamline and modernize airport operations:

  • Basement: Set to house the first phase of a state-of-the-art baggage handling system.
  • Second Level: Currently the international arrivals area, this floor will be upgraded with a new carousel, an expanded customs area, and a transportation plaza.
  • Third Level: Dedicated to international departures, it will feature self-bag drop counters and self-check-in kiosks.
  • Mezzanine: To be used for administrative offices.

Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Efraím Zeledón, emphasized that the airport is preparing for the future. “According to the Master Plan, by 2027 the airport is projected to handle 6.5 million passengers annually, and that figure is expected to rise to 10.4 million by 2042,” he explained. Zeledón also noted that the construction company has been allocated 707 calendar days from the start of the project, with completion expected by early 2027.

Record-Breaking Growth in Tourism

This major infrastructure upgrade coincides with record-breaking growth in Costa Rica’s tourism. As 2024 came to a close, tourism revenue exceeded $5.4 billion, and the sector generated nearly 20,000 additional jobs. Data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica and the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) indicate that direct employment in tourism reached 183,016 positions—a jump of 19,767 jobs from the previous year.

Tourism remains Costa Rica’s most vital economic sector,” said Minister of Tourism William Rodríguez. “Its impact is tangible throughout our country, affecting the quality of life of thousands of families and communities. These figures confirm the strategic role of tourism in generating employment and promoting overall well-being.”

The dual focus on enhancing airport facilities and celebrating tourism growth underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to future economic expansion and improved connectivity for its citizens and visitors alike.

Trending Now

Poás Volcano Glows with Intense Heat as Night Hikes Begin

Mouth A of Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano continues to release gases so hot that incandescence is visible even during the day—a rare phenomenon not...

How Nayib Bukele Consolidated Total Power in El Salvador

No one was surprised. El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, is now officially cleared for indefinite reelection. Congress, firmly under his control, paved the way...

Costa Rica’s Barra Del Colorado: The Perfect Place to Disconnect and Recharge

One of the greatest gifts Costa Rica offers its visitors is the rare chance to truly disconnect from the outside world. This modern world...

US Doubles Bounty to $50 Million on Venezuela’s Maduro

The Trump administration stepped up pressure on Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro today by offering a $50 million reward for tips that lead to his capture....

New U.S. Diplomat Jennifer Savage Takes Charge at Costa Rica Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica named Jennifer Savage as its new chargé d'affaires yesterday. She steps in to lead the diplomatic mission until...

Costa Rica Urged to Fix Broken Forestry Permit System

A new report by the Comptroller General's Office (CGR) revealed that poor management of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) by the Ministry...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica