Aeris Holdings, the operator overseeing Juan Santamaría Airport, has resumed construction work on a master plan that was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the objective of increasing the airport's capacity.

As part of this initiative, the company has launched the Infill Project, a four-story building covering 10,000 square meters located to the west of the main terminal.

This expansion aims to enhance operational capacity and improve passenger comfort.

The construction of the building began on Tuesday and will include a basement, which will house the first phase of a new automated baggage handling system.

The second level will feature a new carousel for arrivals, expanded customs areas, and a transportation plaza, among other facilities.

The third level is designated for international departures, featuring a new area for self-bag drop systems and auto check-in kiosks.

Additionally, a mezzanine will be developed to accommodate office space.

The lobby area is also expected to expand northward, which will affect passenger flow at security checks and pre-boarding processes.

To continue the master plan, a remote platform of 35,000 square meters will be constructed for wide-body aircraft, along with 40,000 square meters of service roads.

Ricardo Hernández, the director of Aeris, stated that these developments and the implementation of technology to expedite passenger processing are expected to increase the terminal's capacity by 30% to 40%.

Among the mentioned technological enhancements are the introduction of e-gates to automate passenger boarding and a tomography system that facilitates quicker security checks, allowing passengers to keep electronic devices and liquids in their carry-on luggage during screening.

The project also plans to incorporate biometric doors for immigration control.

Hernández noted that the construction, planned to be executed over the next five years, would extend the operational lifespan of Juan Santamaría Airport until 2042, when it is anticipated to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually.

Furthermore, Aeris is required to present a new master plan, which will be linked to the current one, as the contractual extension of ten additional years begins next year.

This extension serves as a measure to address financial imbalances experienced during the pandemic.

Hernández emphasized the importance of flexibility in the airport industry, stating that master plans should not be rigid, as established in the current management contract.

It stipulates that plans will be reviewed every four years to adapt to technological advancements, investment needs, or shifts in construction focus from airside to terminal.

Aeris has also announced that during the execution of construction work, a mitigation plan will be implemented to ensure that airport operations remain unaffected and that passenger experiences are not compromised.

Measures will include barriers in construction areas to limit dust and noise pollution.

Coordination with airlines, retail outlets, and other airport stakeholders will also be maintained to mitigate any operational disruptions.