The Daniel Oduber International Airport has grown beyond what planners first imagined when it opened in 2011. Officials from Costa Rica’s Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) point this out in a report they issued last year on the country’s infrastructure needs. The airport now handles far more travelers than expected, bringing in visitors to Guanacaste’s beaches and resorts.
This rapid rise brings new demands. Passenger numbers could triple over the next 25 years, according to the National Airport Plan. To keep up, the CFIA calls for key changes. They start with rebuilding the main runway. A parallel taxiway would let planes land during repairs, keeping operations smooth.
Next, leaders suggest updating the contract with Coriport, the company running the airport. This would let them manage airside tasks, now handled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In return, Coriport’s term could extend past 2031. The group also wants to enlarge the ramp area to park more planes as flights increase.
Having well-functioning airports in Liberia and San José helps everyone. Travelers get better choices, and the system runs more evenly. Soon, new terminals in Limón and the south could add to this balance. Roads around the airport need work too. The CFIA urges widening Route 21, which runs in front. Last August, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced plans to expand a section from Liberia to Comunidad. Details on timing remain pending.
The airport also sees chances to branch out. Cargo could grow, shipping fish or light parts from local firms. Right now, it’s scattered without steady runs. Giving Coriport full control might help, creating competition with San José and backup options. Imports may lag exports, but the setup could cut costs for businesses.
Private jets offer another path. More executive flights arrive each year, but space limits growth. A bigger ramp helps short-term yet longer stays need better spots and rules for private partners to build hangars nearby.
Last August, a bid went out on the public procurement system for passenger terminal growth. At ₡3 billion, the project adds 20,000 square meters. It lets four commercial jets and 15 private ones park at once, no matter the size. This boosts how many people the airport can serve as tourism climbs.
Numbers show the surge. In 2024, 1.9 million passengers passed through, up 16 percent from 2023. Figures for 2025 are still coming, but a single day in late December hit 13,815 travelers – a new high, seven percent above the prior record in March. That day saw 59 flights, mostly international.
Recent updates back this momentum. A $3.3 million addition last March expanded boarding areas by 634 square meters. It widened halls for easier movement, added a pet zone, and brought in shops and food spots. A video wall now shows flight updates live.
The runway got attention too. A $36 million fix started in March 2024 to seal cracks, improve drains against rain, and ready it for bigger planes. These steps aim to handle more traffic safely for years ahead. As Guanacaste draws crowds, the airport adapts.
