A historic record of travelers at the country’s main international gateway
The Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, the main air gateway to Costa Rica, closed the 2025–2026 high season with a remarkable increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous period. According to official data from the airport administrator AERIS Costa Rica, more than 3,215,208 travelers passed through the terminal between November 2025 and April 5, 2026, marking the highest number of passengers ever recorded.
Key figures behind the growth
This rise represented a 7.9% increase compared to the previous high season, equivalent to 236,324 additional passengers using the airport during the same period. The trend confirms the continued expansion of air traffic in the country and highlights the airport’s importance as a regional and global connectivity hub.
One of the most notable milestones occurred on January 3, 2026, when the airport handled 28,714 international passengers in a single day, the highest daily figure in the terminal’s history.
Factors driving the increase
Passenger flow peaked especially during December and March, influenced by year-end holidays and the proximity of Easter Week, traditionally intense periods for international tourism in Costa Rica.
In addition to organic demand growth, the airport strengthened its international connectivity with temporary routes from cities such as Chicago (ORD), Nashville (BNA), and Monterrey (MTY), as well as the return of seasonal services from Paris, Amsterdam, Toronto, and London-Gatwick.
Operational and infrastructure improvements
To manage the increase in traffic, the airport implemented technological and operational upgrades, including modern baggage inspection equipment, self-check-in systems, and self bag drop stations to streamline departure processes. Expansions in lobby and transit areas also helped reduce waiting times and improve the passenger experience.
These measures reflect coordinated efforts between AERIS and the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) to strengthen Costa Rica’s international connectivity and capacity to handle seasonal peaks.
Impact on tourism and the national economy
The sustained growth in passenger traffic at Juan Santamaría Airport is closely tied to the strength of Costa Rica’s tourism sector, one of the country’s most dynamic economic drivers. These results reflect not only the recovery of international travel but also Costa Rica’s consolidation as an attractive destination for travelers from multiple regions of the world.
Official and informational sources
- AERIS Costa Rica — Official passenger traffic and airport operations data
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) — Airport management and seasonal traffic information
- Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) — Tourism and international connectivity data
