Costa Rica High Season 2026–2027: Early Planning Is Key for Business Aviation Operators
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As Costa Rica approaches its busiest travel season, Aerologística ST encourages business aviation operators to plan ahead to avoid parking limitations, operational delays, and last-minute changes.
Costa Rica remains one of Central America’s most attractive destinations for business and leisure aviation. However, the upcoming high season, traditionally extending from November through April, will once again place significant pressure on airport infrastructure, particularly at Juan Santamaría International Airport (MROC/SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (MRLB/LIR).
As parking availability becomes increasingly challenging during peak travel periods, operators should also consider Tobías Bolaños International Airport (MRPV/Pavas) as a potential alternative for eligible aircraft and repositioning operations.
Aircraft Parking: The Main Challenge
One of the most important considerations for operators flying into Costa Rica during peak season is aircraft parking availability.
Both major international airports handle a combination of scheduled commercial traffic, private aviation, charter operations, and other aircraft movements. During periods of increased demand, available parking positions for general aviation can become limited.
Operators should avoid assuming that parking will be available simply because a landing slot or flight schedule has been coordinated.
Parking arrangements should be requested and confirmed as early as possible, particularly for extended stays.
Operational Flexibility Makes a Difference
When overnight or extended parking cannot be accommodated at the intended destination, operators should consider alternative arrangements, including:
Passenger drop-off and repositioning to another airport.
Shorter ground stays when operationally feasible.
Alternative arrival and departure times.
Repositioning to Tobías Bolaños International Airport (MRPV/Pavas), subject to aircraft compatibility and parking availability.
Coordination of repositioning flights and subsequent passenger pick-ups.
These alternatives should be evaluated in advance, considering airport operating hours, handling availability, crew duty limitations, aircraft performance requirements, and applicable regulatory restrictions.
San José, Liberia, and Pavas: Different Operational Considerations
San José (MROC/SJO) serves the country’s capital and Central Valley, offering convenient access to business destinations and connecting domestic aviation services.
Liberia (MRLB/LIR) is the principal gateway to Guanacaste and the northern Pacific coast, where demand for private aviation increases substantially during the tourism high season.
Tobías Bolaños International Airport (MRPV/Pavas), located in the San José metropolitan area, offers an additional operational alternative for certain business aviation aircraft.
During periods of limited parking availability at SJO or LIR, Pavas may serve as a repositioning and parking option for compatible aircraft, depending on airport restrictions, available infrastructure, and prior coordination.
Its proximity to San José makes it particularly relevant for operators seeking alternatives within the Central Valley.
Although all three airports offer different operational possibilities, aircraft parking availability, handling arrangements, operating hours, and restrictions must be evaluated individually.
Operators should consider all available airport options when developing their high-season flight plans.
Advance Coordination Is Essential
Beyond aircraft parking, operators should anticipate requirements involving ground handling, customs and immigration, passenger transportation, catering, fuel coordination, and crew arrangements.
When repositioning between airports becomes necessary, additional considerations such as crew logistics, aircraft movements, and passenger pick-up arrangements should be coordinated in advance.
Early communication with a local ground handling provider can help identify potential limitations, evaluate alternatives, and minimize operational disruptions.
Plan Early. Stay Flexible.
Costa Rica continues to welcome business aviation, but successful high-season operations increasingly depend on preparation.
Our recommendation to flight departments and operators is simple: submit parking requests early, confirm arrangements before departure, and maintain an alternative operational plan.
At Aerologística ST, our team supports operators at Costa Rica’s three principal airports serving business aviation—SJO, LIR, and Pavas—assisting with parking coordination, ground handling, flight support, and operational alternatives throughout the high season.
Whether coordinating an arrival, arranging an extended stay, or evaluating repositioning options between airports, our objective is to help operators anticipate challenges and maintain operational flexibility.
The earlier the coordination begins, the more options operators are likely to have.
Costa Rica is ready to welcome another busy aviation season. The question for operators is not simply whether they can fly to their preferred destination, but whether the necessary ground arrangements will be available when they arrive.
With San José, Liberia, and Pavas offering different operational possibilities, understanding the available alternatives can make a significant difference when airport capacity becomes constrained.
Planning ahead is no longer just a recommendation. During peak season, it is an essential part of a successful operation.
