Costa Rica opened its expanded terminal at Liberia Airport on June 1 2026 after two years of construction. The 42000 square metre building features solar panels, rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation. Capacity rises from 2.5 million to 5 million passengers per year.
Ten new gates and automated immigration kiosks reduce average processing to under 20 minutes. Airlines including JetBlue, United and Air Canada have added seasonal flights from US and Canadian cities. The project cost 180 million USD funded through public-private partnership.
Liberia serves the popular Guanacaste beach region that attracts 1.4 million visitors yearly. Previous terminal constraints limited growth despite strong demand. Environmental certifications include LEED Gold and Costa Rica's own carbon-neutral standards.
Background includes earlier master plans delayed by the pandemic that were revived in 2023. Tourism contributes 8 percent of GDP and the government prioritised green infrastructure. Neighbouring Nicaragua has studied the model for its own airport upgrades.
What this means for you
Fly into Liberia for direct access to Pacific beaches without the longer drive from San Jose. Download the airport app for real-time baggage and gate information. Use the new express immigration lanes if you hold eligible passports.
Book hotels participating in the terminal's carbon offset program for additional sustainability credits. Allow extra time for photos of the living green walls in the arrivals hall. Combine with domestic flights to smaller airstrips for remote eco-lodges.
The terminal supports Costa Rica's goal of carbon-neutral tourism by 2030. Expect further route announcements from European carriers later this year.