Quepos Airport Expansion: La Managua Upgrade 2026
Quepos Airport Expansion Advances With New Apron and Terminal Plans
Updated September 14, 2026
Costa Rica is advancing a multi-phase modernization of Quepos Airport, locally known as Aeródromo La Managua. The Quepos Airport expansion is designed to increase aircraft-parking capacity, improve passenger facilities and strengthen the air gateway serving Quepos, Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific.
Quick Answer
The La Managua modernization includes a new aircraft apron with related works and a later passenger-terminal phase. The apron contract had been signed by August 2026 and was awaiting approval from Costa Rica’s Comptroller General. A passenger terminal of more than 1,000 m² is planned later, with the latest published estimate targeting completion by the end of 2028.
Key Facts
Quepos is a DGAC-operated local aerodrome in Puntarenas with a 1,155-by-23-meter asphalt runway.
The current apron has three Type B and two Type A aircraft positions.
The modernization plan calls for a new apron planned around six positions.
CETAC approved an apron contract of ₡2.103 billion including VAT, with up to 125 calendar days for execution after the authorized start.
The start order requires contract notification and Comptroller General approval.
A passenger terminal of more than 1,000 m² is planned in a later phase.
The latest published estimate targets terminal completion by late 2028.
What Is Changing at La Managua Airport?
The first major 2026 phase focuses on the aircraft apron and related works. CETAC’s April decision selected Concreto Asfáltico Nacional S.A. The scope includes an apron and connector to the existing runway, earthworks, concrete pavement, drainage, access roads and aircraft-position markings.
The award was appealed. The Comptroller General issued a resolution on June 24. By August 12, the latest public reporting said the contract had been signed and was undergoing the separate Comptroller General approval process required before the start order.
As of September 14, 2026, the reviewed sources do not provide public confirmation that physical construction of the new apron has begun.
A New Passenger Terminal Is Planned
MOPT plans a passenger terminal exceeding 1,000 m², with waiting areas, check-in counters, baggage-processing space, restrooms, offices and operational rooms. Related works are expected to include wastewater treatment, fire protection and improved vehicle access from Route 34.
In May, the terminal remained in the design-procurement stage. MOPT’s published estimate placed construction in the second half of 2027 and completion by the end of 2028. The terminal’s construction cost was not publicly disclosed in the reviewed sources.
Why the Quepos Airport Expansion Matters
Project documentation cited by La Nación showed annual airport movements increasing from 6,000 in 2017 to 9,129 in 2022, with growing pressure from private aviation and regional air activity.
More apron capacity can reduce aircraft-parking constraints, while a purpose-built terminal could improve passenger handling and accessibility for visitors continuing to Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Marina Pez Vela and nearby hotels. This is an analytical inference based on the project’s stated capacity and passenger-service objectives.
Travelers comparing air and overland options can use the Quepos travel guide, best-airport guide for Quepos and Manuel Antonio and Quepos transportation hub.
Ground Transportation During the Upgrade
Travelers landing at La Managua still need transportation to their final hotel, villa or other destination. Visitors arriving through Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) can also continue overland using private transportation in Costa Rica or a verified San José Airport to Quepos private transfer.
The likely long-term effect is improved air access to the Central Pacific, but travelers should not plan around future facilities until DGAC or MOPT confirms each stage is operational.
FAQs
Is the Quepos Airport expansion already under construction?
Not publicly confirmed in the latest reviewed sources. As of August 12, 2026, the apron contract had been signed and was awaiting Comptroller General approval before the start order. No later official announcement confirming the physical start was found.
What will be built at La Managua Airport?
The program includes a new aircraft apron and connector works, followed by a passenger terminal of more than 1,000 m² with passenger-processing areas, bathrooms, offices, wastewater treatment, fire protection and improved road access.
When will the Quepos Airport modernization be completed?
Final timing depends on approvals and the official start order. MOPT’s published estimate for the passenger-terminal phase projected construction from the second half of 2027 and completion by late 2028.
Will Quepos Airport remain open during construction?
The reviewed sources do not disclose a construction-related closure plan. DGAC’s April 2026 aerodrome list shows Quepos as an operating local VFR aerodrome. Travelers should reconfirm flight status with their airline.
Is Quepos Airport the same as La Managua Airport?
Yes. Quepos Airport is commonly called La Managua Airport. Travelers may see the IATA code XQP, while Costa Rica’s DGAC identifies the aerodrome as MRQP in its official documentation.
Conclusion
The Quepos Airport expansion is a substantial infrastructure upgrade for Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, but it remains a phased development rather than a completed renovation. Travelers should plan around existing facilities and confirmed flight operations. For door-to-door travel, review the verified Manuel Antonio and Quepos transportation options.
