Until recently, many of Costa Rica’s domestic airports were little more than airstrips carved into the forest.
But the government is investing up to $160 million through 2020 to improve Costa Rica’s airport infrastructure, a move which President Carlos Alvarado said will create jobs and help support the tourism industry.
“This investment generates employment and energizes other sectors, especially tourism,” Alvarado said.
Costa Rica is also conducting studies to “establish the feasibility of building a Nicoya Peninsula and Chacarita Airfield,” according to Casa Presidencial.
Here are domestic airport improvements the government has announced:
Drake: Expansion and improvement of the runway, construction of a modern terminal, apron for three airplanes and perimeter fence. Inaugurated in January 2019.
San Isidro: Construction of a passenger terminal and apron for two aircraft. Inaugurated August 2019.
Palmar Sur: Reconstruction of the runway, remodeling and expansion of the terminal building, vehicle parking, runway lighting. Project is in final phase.
Golfito: Remodeling and expansion of the existing terminal, in addition to improvement of the runway. Project at 85% completion.
Guápiles: Reconstruction and expansion of the runway, improvement of safety strips, construction of terminal, perimeter mesh and storm drains. Project completed.
Quepos: A two-phase project is awaiting authorization. The first stage involves reconstructing the runway, while the second will include building a terminal, apron for four aircraft, and installing runway lighting.
Tortuguero: In a project expected to last until 2021, the airport will be remodeled with a new terminal, additional offices, and an apron for three aircraft.
Coto 47: A proposed project would construct a hangar for Costa Rica’s Air Surveillance Service (SVA) and an apron for two aircraft.
Puerto Jiménez: A project would improve the apron and remodel the terminal.
The government also summarized upcoming or recent improvements to Costa Rica’s international airports.
Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia will have an improved runway and apron surface, in addition to an area for general aviation.
Tobías Bolaños International Airport in Pavas will have a new terminal, repaved taxiways, and better sewage facilities.
Limón International Airport will have a modern terminal, as we previously reported. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2020.
Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela recently added four boarding gates and a new taxiway parallel to the runway.
