Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) shows that international arrivals by air totaled 1,853,430 between January and July 2026—an increase of 122,014 visitors compared to the same period in 2025.
Of those additional arrivals, 81,959 entered via Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Guanacaste Airport). This gives the terminal a 67.2% share of the nation’s net growth in air travel.
Airport Growth Comparison (Jan–Jul 2025 vs. Jan–Jul 2026)
| Airport | 2025 Visitors | 2026 Visitors | Net Growth | % Change |
| Daniel Oduber (Guanacaste) | 616,120 | 698,079 | +81,959 | +13.3% |
| Juan Santamaría (San José) | 1,114,759 | 1,154,732 | +39,973 | +3.6% |
| Total National Air | 1,731,416 | 1,853,430 | +122,014 | +7.0% |
Key Drivers Behind the Guanacaste Surge
- Strategic Airline Partnerships: Terminal management focused post-pandemic efforts on market analysis and strengthening airline relationships to expand flight routes.
- Shifting Traveler Demographics: The airport reports a higher volume of family visits alongside longer average lengths of stay.
- Heavy North American Reliance: Out of 698,079 total visitors to Guanacaste, 96.9% (676,714) originated from North America.
- United States: 530,250 visitors
- Canada: 145,351 visitors
“The goal now is for connectivity growth to translate into local employment, investment, supply chain linkages, and expanded economic opportunities for the region.”
— Renata González, Commercial & Communications Manager at Guanacaste Airport
Mid-Year Growth Deceleration
While overall numbers remain positive, nationwide air arrivals cooled considerably after a strong opening quarter:
- Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar): +12.9% year-over-year (Jan: +10.3% | Feb: +14.1% | Mar: +14.0%)
- Q2–Q3 2026 (Apr–Jul): +1.4% year-over-year (Apr: +1.7% | May: +3.0% | Jun: -1.2% | Jul: +2.3%)
