As part of the modernization and expansion process of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) infrastructure, AERIS is progressing with the execution of the Public Parking Expansion (Phase 1), one of the projects outlined in the SJO Master Plan. This work will increase available parking capacity and complements other improvements developed in the Main Parking Lot, aimed at strengthening services, mobility, and the user experience.
The Public Parking Expansion (Phase 1) involves an investment of $14.9 million, with an estimated inauguration date in April 2027. This project will significantly expand parking capacity by constructing a structure of approximately 21,000 m², featuring six levels and two sublevels, incorporating 600 new vehicle spaces and 32 motorcycle spaces.
The project will also include four vehicle entry and exit points, a covered walkway connecting the parking structure to the Domestic Terminal, and modern systems for lighting, telecommunications, security, fire alarms, fire suppression, air conditioning, and access and payment control, among other technical components.
“Juan Santamaría International Airport continues to advance in a transformation process that allows us to support its growth and continue elevating the experience of those passing through the terminal. At AERIS, we maintain a constant investment to drive its development and consolidate an increasingly modern and competitive infrastructure that helps strengthen connectivity and continues generating value for Costa Rica,” stated Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS.
As a complement to the master plan investments, AERIS continuously develops other initiatives to strengthen the infrastructure and services available at the terminal. Along these lines, five improvements have recently been executed in the airport’s Main Parking Lot, representing a total investment of over $1.2 million.
These enhancements consist of roofing the parking spaces on the upper level of the main parking lot, implementing more payment points, and remodeling the restrooms located on the lower west level. Subsequently, five electric vehicle chargers were installed and are already operational, along with eleven additional power and data pre-installations to expand the service as demand grows.
The chargers, representing an investment of $162,000, have a capacity of up to 11.5 kWh, and their usage is managed through the Atila mobile app, available for iOS and Android, allowing users to activate the service and process payments. This initiative aims to facilitate access to charging options for electric vehicle users and support sustainable mobility trends.
Additionally, AERIS installed a roof on the upper level of the main parking lot, a project involving a $650,000 investment that was completed in June 2026. The structure covers approximately 3,600 m² of the spaces located in the northern sector and central area, offering greater protection against weather conditions such as rain and sun exposure. Furthermore, it incorporates a rainwater collection system, solar-powered lighting, and a connector linking the future north terminal expansion with the planned hotel opposite the parking facility.
Finally, an exclusive parking area for motorcycles and bicycles has been enabled at the east spiral, covering 720 m² with an investment of $345,000. This project concentrates these vehicles in a higher-capacity zone designed specifically for this purpose, equipped with dedicated access, a payment area, surveillance cameras, low-consumption LED lighting, and bollards to enhance space security.
These works complement the larger-scale investments outlined in the Master Plan and form part of an integral strategy to modernize infrastructure and services for airport users.
AERIS reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable development of the airport through responsible investments, technical planning, and ongoing coordination with authorities and sector stakeholders, aiming to offer a safe, efficient travel experience aligned with international best practices.
