Juan Santamaría International Airport

SJO originated in 1951 when the government procured the necessary funding. On May 2nd, 1958, the airport was inaugurated. Initially called "Aeropuerto Internacional el Coco," it was later renamed in honor of Juan Santamaria (Costa Rica's national hero), a drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by American filibuster William Walker. In 1961 a highway was built to connect the airport to downtown San José. However, no changes were made to the terminal until November 2010. At that point, Aeris (initially Alterra Partners) announced that the expansion and construction of new facilities were complete with the installation of the 9th boarding bridge. This followed a saga of calamities originating in 1997 when the government requested private companies' participation in the airport's operations (which was followed by years of legal challenges, contract negotiations, and disputes).

The airport is located 12 miles west of downtown San José. 

• SJO is a hub for Avianca Costa Rica, Costa Rica Green Airways, Sansa Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica and a focus city for Copa Airlines. 
• SJO was once the busiest airport in Central America but is now second to Tocumen International Airport in Panamá. 
• The FBO at SJO is Universal Aviation Costa Rica. They were awarded the best FBO in Latin America by ProPilot Magazine in 2021. 
• There are three business lounges for unique card holders and business class travelers at SJO: Avianca Club, Copa Club, and VIP Lounge (for BAC Credomatic customers).