
Juan Santamaria International Airport is the premier gateway for private aviation in Costa Rica, providing immediate access to San Jose and the country’s iconic Pacific and Caribbean destinations. Located just 12 miles from downtown San Jose in Alajuela, this modern facility is fully equipped to serve discerning private jet travelers, business executives, and leisure guests seeking seamless arrivals and departures. Avoid the congestion and unpredictability of commercial airline terminals—at SJO, you experience a world-class, efficient, and discreet travel environment designed exclusively for private aviation.

Airport Identifiers:
Location:
Alajuela, Costa Rica | 20 minutes from downtown San Jose
Owner and Operator:
Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC)
Airport Classification:
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Operations:
Y
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Limited to airport operating hours
Annual Flight Operations:
Over 110,000 (including business, private, and charter aviation)
Longest Runway



Juan Santamaria Intl supports aircraft up to large-cabin, long-range jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 6000. The 9,882-foot runway accommodates turboprops, light jets, midsize, super-midsize, and most heavy jets for both regional and intercontinental flights.

SJO operates a slot system for private jet flights, especially during peak travel seasons. Arrival and departure slots must be coordinated in advance to ensure priority handling. Jettly’s dedicated team will manage all slot requests, landing permits, and customs clearances for your itinerary.

Juan Santamaria Intl does not enforce a strict noise curfew, but nighttime operations are subject to noise abatement procedures and coordination with airport authorities. All aircraft must comply with ICAO noise standards, and Jettly ensures every flight is scheduled to meet local requirements.
Private jet travelers at Juan Santamaria Intl benefit from a select group of Fixed Base Operators offering VIP lounges, customs and immigration services, and luxury ground handling. The airport’s primary FBOs include:
Juan Santamaria’s FBOs feature executive lounges, private meeting rooms, conference facilities, gourmet catering, secure Wi-Fi, and chauffeured ground transportation. Your Jettly advisor will confirm your FBO assignment for a seamless, personalized experience.
King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, and Cessna Grand Caravan are ideal for regional hops, jungle lodges, and destinations with short or remote runways throughout Costa Rica and Central America.
The Phenom 100 and Eclipse 550 deliver fast, efficient performance for short routes with 3-4 passengers, perfect for linking San Jose to Panama, Managua, or local beach destinations.
Light jets such as the Citation CJ3+, Learjet 75, and Phenom 300E are top picks for business and leisure flights from San Jose to Miami, Mexico City, and the Caribbean, seating 6-8 passengers in comfort and style.
Midsize options like the Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS+, and Learjet 60XR offer spacious cabins, ample baggage room, and the range for nonstop flights to Houston, Dallas, or Cartagena. These jets typically seat 7-9 passengers.
The Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, and Gulfstream G280 provide coast-to-coast range and first-class amenities, making them perfect for direct journeys to Los Angeles, Lima, or Buenos Aires.
Heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650, Global 6000, and Challenger 650 easily handle transcontinental and intercontinental flights from SJO, seating 10-16 passengers with full club seating and luxury accommodations.

While SJO’s runway length supports most ultra-long-range jets, certain weight and performance requirements for maximum range may necessitate technical stops or alternative airports. Jettly’s team will always recommend the optimal departure point for your specific aircraft and route.
Juan Santamaria Intl generates high-volume charter traffic for both business and leisure, connecting Costa Rica with major North and South American cities, as well as exclusive regional resorts. The most popular charter routes from SJO include:

Due to its popularity with international travelers and business executives, Juan Santamaria Intl offers frequent empty-leg opportunities. These repositioning flights can provide significant cost savings—often 25-75% off standard charter rates—making private jet travel to or from Costa Rica even more accessible.
Juan Santamaria Intl caters to a diverse mix of private aviation clients, from multinational executives and entrepreneurs to celebrities and luxury vacationers. Understanding each traveler’s unique needs ensures every journey is tailored to perfection, from aircraft selection to bespoke ground services.
make regular trips between SJO and financial centers in Miami, Panama City, and New York, relying on tailored itineraries for quick turnarounds and maximizing productivity in transit.
firms choose SJO for agile business travel across Latin America, using light and midsize jets to connect with clients, partners, and project sites throughout the region.
value the privacy and expedited handling offered by SJO’s discreet VIP terminals and direct ramp access, enabling high-profile arrivals and departures away from public attention.
base long-range and super-midsize jets at SJO to support executive movements across the Americas, with on-site hangarage and aircraft management services available through the airport’s FBO network.
use SJO for seasonal escapes to Costa Rica’s beaches, luxury eco-lodges, and adventure resorts. The convenience of a private departure and curated ground transfers ensures a truly premium travel experience from start to finish.
Jettly is a DOT-regulated charter broker operating under Parts 295 and 298, providing access to FAA-certified air operators. Every aircraft available through Jettly's platform is sourced from independently verified, safety-audited carriers.
Deep local operator relationships
Slot coordination handled for you
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Fleet access without constraints
Same-day and last-minute service


The 9,882-foot runway at SJO supports turboprops, very light jets, light jets, midsize jets, super-midsize jets, and most heavy jets, including the Gulfstream G650, Global 6000, and Challenger 650 series.

Contact Jettly directly through our online booking portal or by phone. Flights can often be arranged within 6-12 hours, though advance notice of 24-72 hours is recommended for optimal aircraft selection and pricing.

Contact Jettly directly via our online platform or by phone at 866-448-2358. We can typically arrange flights in as little as 3-6 hours, though we recommend booking at least 24-72 hours in advance for the best aircraft availability and pricing.

SJO operates a slot system for private jet flights, especially during peak travel seasons. Arrival and departure slots must be coordinated in advance to ensure priority handling. Jettly’s dedicated team will manage all slot requests, landing permits, and customs clearances for your itinerary.

The primary FBOs at Juan Santamaria Intl include Aeris, Costa Rica Green Airways, and Universal Aviation. FBO assignment is typically based on operator preference and availability, but all FBOs provide executive lounges, customs facilitation, passenger handling, and luxury amenities. Your Jettly advisor confirms your FBO prior to departure for total peace of mind.

SJO is ideal for clients based in San Jose and for those requiring long-range jet operations. Tobías Bolaños (SYQ) is better suited for small aircraft and regional flights within Costa Rica, while Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia is the preferred gateway for Pacific coast destinations and luxury resorts. SJO offers the broadest range of jet categories and the highest level of international handling.
Whether you need a last-minute light jet to Panama City, a super-midsize charter to Los Angeles, or a long-range jet to London, Jettly streamlines your Juan Santamaria private jet charter from booking to touchdown. Our team manages slots, FBO coordination, catering, and luxury ground transfers—leaving you to simply enjoy the journey.

Jettly operates as a charter broker under the U.S. DOT Parts 295 and 298 regulations. Jettly is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. All charter flights are conducted by FAA-certified Part 135 or Part 121 operators. Jettly does not carry additional liability insurance.
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