Costa Rica Runway To Get A New Facelift Of 36Mil

The Liberia airport upgrade $36 million project aims to upgrade the runway to enable continued growth in traffic and larger aircraft over the next decade. Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia will undergo major renovations beginning in March, government officials announced this week.

They will be repairing and waterproofing the pavement structure of the two-mile-long runway, as well as improving drainage systems to hold heavy rainfalls. Construction will take place every night from 9p.m-9a.m over the next 6 months to avoid disruption of flights.

Funding for the renovations was secured through the National Emergency Commission as part of the country’s efforts to rebuild substantial damage from Tropical Storm Bonnie last July. The repairs are critically needed to maintain safe operating conditions as Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Airport has seen major increases in air traffic in recent years.

The airport serves as a major gateway for tourists traveling to Guanacaste’s popular beach resorts. Major carriers like American, United and Delta have added routes to meet rising demand.

The contract was given to local construction company MECO. A competing bidder, Pedregal, contested the bidding process, claiming unequal treatment in analyzing proposals.

Transportation Minister Luis Roberto Sáenz confirmed that upon completion, the new runway will enable the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia will continue serving larger aircraft for the next 8 years.

Officials stated the renovations are very long overdue and to ensure Costa Rica’s second busiest airport maintains the highest safety standards and reliability.