In December, Guanacaste Airport will inaugurate four new international routes, announced César Jaramillo, Director of Guanacaste Airport (Daniel Oduber) in Liberia. This initiative marks a significant step for the tourism season, where the airport will now operate 34 routes, testing its capacity to effectively meet passenger needs.
To ensure a smooth experience despite the increase in traffic, airport officials aim to limit processing time per passenger to a maximum of one hour. “In the low season, processing averages under 30 minutes, but in high season, meeting this goal requires efficient management and the support of authorities,” Jaramillo noted.
For this promise to become a reality, it’s essential that the government supports with sufficient migration, customs, and health personnel while ensuring that X-ray equipment remains fully operational. Without this, service quality could be compromised, potentially impacting Costa Rica’s welcoming image.
To function smoothly, the airport requires 21 migration officers for arrivals and 14 for departures—essential personnel for ensuring streamlined service. “From an administrative perspective, we are ready to accommodate a growing number of visitors,” Jaramillo affirmed, emphasizing the importance of enhanced administrative support to tackle this challenge.
However, unforeseen issues with infrastructure management cast a shadow on these plans. Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Tourism Chamber, expressed her dissatisfaction following a three-month suspension of runway redevelopment work. This delay has already forced KLM to reroute flights to Juan Santamaría Airport in San José, and other airlines such as Arajet Airlines, Avianca, and Iberia are considering similar measures due to runway surface issues.
Moreover, Swiss airline Edelweiss has voiced concerns and is considering suspending its flights to Guanacaste if work deadlines are not met. “This situation affects not only passengers who had planned to arrive in Liberia but also Guanacaste’s air connectivity with strategic markets. Meeting project timelines is crucial for maintaining airline trust and Costa Rica’s competitiveness against other destinations,” Calvo stated.
In 2023, Guanacaste Airport welcomed over 1.9 million passengers, a number that is expected to grow this year. Traffic statistics show a total of 344,864 passengers for July to September, an increase of 36,867 travelers compared to 2023.
To meet this rising demand, the airport will add four new routes in December: American Airlines will offer a direct flight from Philadelphia to Costa Rica—a first—while Delta will launch a new flight from Boston Logan. Alaska Airlines will add more flights from San Francisco and Seattle, thereby enhancing connectivity options for the Guanacaste region.
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