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Upala Airport offers discerning travelers seamless access to Costa Rica’s lush northern region, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and exclusive eco-retreats. Strategically positioned in Alajuela Province near the Nicaraguan border, MRUP provides a private, relaxed alternative to the busy commercial terminals in San José and Liberia. With smooth arrival and departure experiences tailored for private aviation guests, Upala is the preferred choice for those seeking tranquility, privacy, and direct connectivity to the heart of Costa Rica’s adventure and luxury destinations.
Airport Identifiers:
Location:
Upala, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica | Alajuela, Costa Rica
Owner and Operator:
Dirección General de Aviación Civil de Costa Rica
Airport Classification:
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Operations:
N
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Limited to airport operating hours
Annual Flight Operations:
Primarily private and charter flights tailored to regional luxury tourism and business travel.
Longest Runway
Aircraft operating from Upala are limited by a 3,300-foot runway, accommodating turboprops, very light jets, and select light and midsize jets. Large and ultra-long-range jets will require an alternative airport.
Slot coordination is not required for most private flights at Upala, though prior permission is recommended, and Jettly’s team handles all landing permits and operational clearances to ensure a smooth arrival.
Upala Airport observes daytime operational hours only, with no departures or arrivals permitted after sunset. Noise restrictions are minimal due to the airport’s low traffic and rural location, but all flights must comply with standard Costa Rican aviation regulations.
Private jet travelers at Upala benefit from personalized ground handling and concierge services arranged on request. While there are no dedicated FBO buildings, executive amenities can be coordinated to meet your needs.
Amenities at Upala include dedicated meet-and-greet, expedited customs processing, private passenger lounges, on-demand catering, Wi-Fi, and luxury ground transfers to resorts or villas. Your Jettly advisor will confirm all details before your flight.
Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350, and Cessna Grand Caravan are perfect for short hops between eco-lodges, adventure resorts, and regional cities. These aircraft handle up to 9 passengers and operate efficiently on Upala’s runway.
From approximately
3630
Phenom 100 and Eclipse 550 provide fast, comfortable service for flights under two hours, seating 3-4 passengers and ensuring a nimble arrival at remote Costa Rican destinations.
From approximately
7752
Light jets such as the Citation CJ2, Phenom 300, and Learjet 40XR are ideal for regional business and leisure travel, accommodating 6-7 passengers with ease and comfort.
From approximately
5102
Citation XLS and Hawker 800XP offer enhanced range and cabin space, carrying 8-9 passengers on direct routes to major Central American cities and select Caribbean islands.
From approximately
7478
While Upala’s runway limits super-midsize jet operations, select aircraft like the Citation Latitude may access the airport under favorable conditions. For longer-range or larger group travel, nearby airports with extended runways are recommended.
From approximately
9660
Heavy jets, including Gulfstream and Challenger models, are unable to operate from Upala due to runway restrictions. For these aircraft, Jettly arranges seamless transfers from Liberia or San José airports.
From approximately
12215
Upala’s short runway means ultra-long-range and heavy jets must use Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO) for full performance and safety. Jettly will always recommend the best airport for your aircraft and travel itinerary.
Upala serves as a gateway for luxury travelers exploring Costa Rica’s north and connects to major business and leisure destinations in Central America. The following are the most popular private jet routes from UPL:
Empty-leg flights from Upala are available on a limited basis, primarily for repositioning jets between regional Costa Rican airports and popular Central American destinations. These flights offer a cost-effective way to charter premium aircraft when available.
Upala Airport caters to luxury travelers, eco-tourism enthusiasts, and business executives seeking exclusive access to Costa Rica’s northern region. Clients value the privacy, efficiency, and tailored service that only a private aviation terminal can provide.
utilize Upala for swift connections between Costa Rica’s northern eco-lodges and major business centers, facilitating meetings and property visits in a single day.
prefer Upala for confidential site visits, investment reviews, and cross-border business ventures, often flying in teams for efficient project management.
choose Upala for its discreet arrivals, enabling seamless access to remote filming locations or private retreats far from public attention.
deploy light and midsize jets to Upala for executive retreats, incentive trips, and board meetings held at exclusive rainforest resorts.
use Upala as the launch point for luxury eco-adventures, private rainforest villa escapes, and curated journeys to Costa Rica’s hidden gems.
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
Upala’s 3,300-foot runway is best suited for turboprops, very light jets, and select light and midsize jets, such as the Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350, Phenom 100, and Citation CJ2. Heavy and ultra-long-range jets will require a larger runway at a nearby airport.
Contact Jettly directly through our online platform or by calling 866-448-2358. Most flights can be arranged within 6-12 hours, but booking 24 hours in advance ensures optimal aircraft selection and ground service coordination.
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.
Slot coordination is not required for most private flights at Upala, though prior permission is recommended, and Jettly’s team handles all landing permits and operational clearances to ensure a smooth arrival.
While Upala does not have a full-service FBO, dedicated ground handling, VIP meet-and-greet, private lounge access, and luxury ground transfers are organized for all Jettly charters. Your FBO details will be confirmed upon booking.
Upala is ideally suited for travelers whose final destination is in Costa Rica’s northern region, offering unmatched access to remote lodges and eco-resorts. Liberia (LIR) provides a longer runway and additional FBO amenities, making it a better option for heavy jets and international arrivals, while San José (SJO) remains the primary hub for the capital and central valley. For exclusivity and proximity to the north’s hidden gems, Upala is the airport of choice.
Whether you’re arranging a last-minute turboprop to San José, a light jet to Managua, or a private charter to an exclusive eco-lodge, Jettly simplifies the Upala private jet experience. We handle every detail, from landing permissions to luxury ground transfers, ensuring your journey is seamless from start to finish.
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.
MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Disclaimer: Jettly operates as a charter broker, offering access to a global digital jet charter marketplace. Jettly is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. All advertised flights are conducted by third-party air carriers that are fully licensed and hold the appropriate Part 135 or Part 121 certifications issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent regulatory authorities under U.S. or foreign law. Jettly complies fully with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Part 295 and Part 298 Charter Broker regulations. Jettly does not carry additional liability insurance. Passengers are covered by aircraft operator insurance. TICO: 50023770
