Costa Rica’s primary gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), has officially closed its most successful peak season to date. Between November 2025 and April 2026, the terminal saw an unprecedented surge in traffic, signaling a robust era for the country’s tourism and aviation sectors.

3.2M+
TOTAL PASSENGERS
+7.9%
GROWTH RATE
28,714
SINGLE-DAY RECORD

Historic Milestones and Connectivity

The 2025–2026 season was marked by consistent growth, with December and March recording the highest peaks. A historic milestone was achieved on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when the airport handled 28,714 international passengers in a single 24-hour window. This growth is largely attributed to strengthened global connectivity. New seasonal routes and the reactivation of key international destinations brought travelers from:
North America: Chicago, Nashville, Monterrey, and Toronto.
Europe: Paris, Amsterdam, and London-Gatwick.

Modernizing the Passenger Experience

To handle the average of 153 daily international operations, AERIS (the airport manager) implemented several technological upgrades. These included the modernization of baggage inspection equipment and the introduction of self-bag drop services, significantly reducing
wait times at check-in.
“This peak season reflects not only the sustained growth of the airport but also the coordinated work of the entire airport community. Our institutional articulation allowed us to respond efficiently to this historic demand.”
— Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS

Future Outlook: Terminal Expansion

The growth isn’t stopping here. AERIS has confirmed that infrastructure projects are ongoing to meet future demand. Key developments include the expansion of the international terminal and a brand-new arrivals area designed to streamline the entry process for the millions of travelers expected in the coming years.

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