A New International Airport in Quepos, Costa Rica?

by Rod Martin

For nearly a decade, there has been a lot of speculation about the new airport in the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica.  The location (Palmar, Sierpe, somewhere closer to the Panama border) of the airport has changed a few times.  The optimistic timeline for “now open” status has been delayed over and over.  The fact is… nobody knows when it’s going to open or where.

This last point has been highlighted after the recent article in Costa Rica’s #1 newspaper, La Nacion, “Comienza Ampliación de Aeropuerto de Quepos” (Expansion of the Quepos Airport To Begin”).

The Civil Aviation Technical Council (CTAC) has begun the process of enlarging the Managua Regional Airport.  According to the director of Civil Aviation, Álvaro Vargas, the expansion will enable the terminal to receive larger national and international aircraft.

The “international aircraft” point is potentially big news for the area.  The Quepos airport currently receives around 15 regional flights and approximately 240 passengers per day.  Improvements will include extending the runway, construction of a terminal for passengers, a fire station, a hangar for aircraft maintenance, and additional parking among other minor changes.

Álvaro Vargas went on to say that the initial work on the runway expansion will be completed in 2015, and “the approximate cost of the purchase of land to extend the runway and make new improvements is $5 million.”

What does it mean for Quepos and the Southern Pacific Zone?

The economic impact will be felt by Quepos sectors like—hotels, restaurants, car rental, tour companies, and real estate—immediately.  More visitors will likely mean a boost to an already strong Manuel Antonio real estate market, which includes the Pez Vela Marina and luxury homes like this, Beachfront Indonesian Estate and exceptional larger parcels, like this Protected Eco-Reserve in Parrita.

The effect on the Costa Ballena, roughly the coastal area between Dominical and Ojochal, will be substantial, as well.  Now that the Coastal Highway is complete, the trip from Quepos to Dominical is a quick 30 minutes.  The Costa Ballena is highlighted by gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, majestic mountains, and ocean view property.

At the time of this article’s release, there has been no word on how the proposed international airport in the Palmar/Sierpe area will be affected.  News of the expansion of the Quepos Airport could delay, or possible spur on, the construction of this new international airport.

Either way, news of the Quepos airport expanding to eventually accept international flights has the southern zone buzzing.