Fortuna Airport

Fortuna Airport (FON), also known as Arenal Airport, is a true gateway to the wild world of Costa Rica. Landing here resembles a scene from an adventure film: the aircraft approaches for landing right against the backdrop of the majestic cone of the Arenal Volcano, towering over the emerald jungles. This small, cosy airfield allows travellers to bypass long hours on the road and find themselves in the centre of the action almost immediately after disembarking. From here, the famous hot springs and waterfalls are literally a stone's throw away, making it the ideal starting point for your tropical holiday.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main feature of Fortuna Airport is its unique location. Situated just a few kilometres from the city centre of La Fortuna, it provides instant access to the region's main attractions. You will not have to spend hours on transfers: just 10 minutes after collecting your luggage, you can enjoy the view of the volcano from your hotel window. The airfield is renowned for its simple and clear navigation; there is none of the hustle and bustle of major hubs, and check-in and boarding procedures are completed as quickly and stress-free as possible.

Another undeniable advantage is the picturesque nature of the flight. Flights here are operated by small light aircraft (often Cessna Caravans), turning a standard transfer into a breathtaking aerial excursion. The flight takes place at a low altitude, revealing stunning panoramas of coffee plantations, mountain rivers, and dense forests. For many tourists, this flight becomes one of the most vivid impressions of their entire trip across Costa Rica.

Fortuna Airport (FON) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Most services, including information and passenger assistance, are provided directly by the airlines. Here are the main contact details and recommendations for communication:

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own official website. For flight schedules, booking, and online check-in information, please visit the websites of the airlines flying to La Fortuna (for example, Sansa Airlines or Aerobell Airlines).
• Phone: There is no direct public enquiry service at the airport. For all questions, it is recommended to contact your airline's call centre directly.
• Address: Aeropuerto de La Fortuna, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. The airport is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the city centre.
• Email: An official email address for passengers is not provided. Communication is conducted through the air carriers.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. News and updates can be found on the pages of the airlines serving this route.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found service of the airline with which you arrived.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All passenger support services, including assistance for persons with reduced mobility, are organised through the airline when booking a ticket or by prior request.

Fortuna Airport (FON) is a small local airfield located just a few kilometres from the centre of La Fortuna, making the journey to it quick and simple. It is worth noting that this airport mainly serves domestic flights. Most international travellers arrive in Costa Rica via larger air hubs, such as Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR), and then reach La Fortuna by ground transport.

Taxis and Transfers

The simplest and most convenient way to get to the airport from central La Fortuna is by taxi. A trip in an official red taxi (ensure the driver switches on the meter, known as "la maría") will take just 10–15 minutes depending on your exact location and traffic conditions. This is a relatively inexpensive option given the short distance. Private and group transfers (shuttles) are also popular and can be booked in advance through your hotel or a travel agency. This is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a large group or bulky luggage.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore the surroundings of the Arenal Volcano, renting a car would be an excellent solution. There are branches of several major rental companies in the city of La Fortuna. By car, you can reach the airport in a matter of minutes. Regarding parking, the small airfield typically has a limited number of spaces, which are more suitable for short-term stops to pick up or drop off passengers.

Public Transport

This is the most budget-friendly option, but it may require more time and effort. There are no trains or metro in the region, so the only public transport available is buses. There may not be a direct bus route to the terminal itself. Most likely, you will have to take a local bus travelling along the main road past the airport and walk a short distance. This method is best suited for travellers without heavy luggage who wish to save money.

Fortuna Airport (FON) is a small and very compact regional airport, serving primarily domestic flights. Its key feature is simplicity and functionality, making it convenient for travellers heading to the Arenal Volcano region.

The airport has just one small terminal, which serves both arriving and departing passengers. Because of this, navigating through it is extremely simple. The terminal building is a single-storey structure where all necessary services are located in one hall. Transitions between terminals are, naturally, non-existent.

The departure and arrival zones are effectively separated only nominally. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to a small waiting area, from where boarding takes place. The arrival zone is simply an exit from the same building, where passengers collect their luggage almost immediately after disembarking from the aircraft.

Passing through all formalities, including check-in and security screening, takes minimal time here. Usually, the entire process can be completed in 20-30 minutes. Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure to avoid any unforeseen situations.

It is practically impossible to get lost in Fortuna Airport. The main recommendation is not to expect the infrastructure of a major hub with duty-free shops and numerous cafes. It is a functional transport node created for quick and comfortable movement around the country. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is calm and unhurried.

The history of Fortuna Airport (FON), also known as El Tanque Airfield, is not a tale of decades of operation, but a vivid example of how infrastructure develops following a tourism boom. Its emergence and modernisation are directly linked to the transformation of La Fortuna into one of the most sought-after destinations for ecotourism in Costa Rica. Unlike major capital airports, FON emerged as a strategic response to the need to quickly and safely deliver travellers to the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

For a long time, only a simple runway existed on the site of the modern airport, appearing, according to some data, back in the 1990s to serve private light aircraft and agricultural needs. With the growth of the region's popularity, it became obvious that the dirt strip could not cope with the flow of tourists and could not ensure reliable air connections, especially during the rainy season. Travelling by land from San José took several hours, and creating a modern regional airport became a key task for tourism development.

A key stage in the airport's history began in 2015, when the government of Costa Rica invested significant funds into its complete reconstruction. The project, completed in 2016, radically transformed the airfield. A new asphalt runway 1,200 metres long was built, a modern passenger terminal was erected, and perimeter fencing was installed to enhance safety. This modernisation allowed the airport to receive regular flights from local airlines on larger turboprop aircraft.

The main achievement of the updated airport was a sharp reduction in travel time to La Fortuna, making the Arenal Volcano region, its famous hot springs, and tropical forests more accessible than ever before. An interesting fact noted by almost all travellers arriving here: the landing at Fortuna Airport is a breathtaking spectacle in itself. The plane approaches for landing against the backdrop of the majestic cone of the Arenal Volcano, flying over emerald hills and coffee plantations. Today, FON is a modern and picturesque aerial gateway to the world of "Pura Vida".

Fortuna Airport (FON) is a small regional airport serving the popular tourist area around the Arenal Volcano. It offers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable start or end to your journey through Costa Rica. Given its compact size, most services are focused on quick and convenient passenger processing.

Dining and Shops. In the terminal, you will find a small cafe or snack bar where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or purchase soft drinks before departure. There is also usually a souvenir shop offering local crafts, memorable gifts, and travel essentials. The selection here is modest, so for full-scale shopping, it is better to head to the city of La Fortuna.

Waiting Area Amenities. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected. There are also zones for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. There are no separate VIP halls or business lounges at the airport, but the general waiting area is clean and comfortable. Regarding financial services, there may be an ATM, but for currency exchange, it is more reliable to use banks or exchange offices in the city itself.

Special Services. The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility — ramps and accessible restrooms are available. For additional assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Families with children can use standard facilities, including baby changing tables in the restrooms. There are no dedicated play areas. Basic medical assistance can be provided by airport staff, but for serious medical consultation, one should contact medical institutions in the city.

Accommodation and Business. There are no hotels or conference rooms within the airport building itself. However, just a few minutes' drive away, in the city of La Fortuna and its surroundings, there are numerous hotels, lodges, and guest houses to suit any taste and budget. Many of them offer transfers to the airport and also have their own business centres or conference rooms for business travellers.

Fortuna Airport (FON) is a small and compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its size. The options are primarily designed so that passengers can comfortably have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for their flight. There isn't a multitude of restaurants here as in large international airports, but the available cafes offer everything necessary.

In the main and only terminal of the airport, typically in the public area before security control (landside), a small cafe operates. Here, travellers can find a standard set for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and refreshing drinks. The main pride of any Costa Rican establishment is, of course, the aromatic local coffee. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy it before your flight. For a more substantial lunch, they often offer casado — a traditional Costa Rican dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, and a portion of meat or chicken.

The cafe's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule — it opens before the first flight and closes after the last one. Prices here are slightly higher than in the city, which is typical for airports. For vegetarians, the same casado is suitable but in a meat-free version (casado vegetariano), which is a good option for those seeking halal-friendly choices. However, for travellers with strict dietary requirements (veganism, gluten-free diet), the choice may be extremely limited, so it is recommended to bring food with you. For a full lunch with a wide selection of dishes, it is better to eat in advance at one of the numerous restaurants in La Fortuna itself.

Flying from a small regional airport like Fortuna Airport is a special experience that usually proceeds faster and more calmly than in major hubs. To ensure your journey begins and ends smoothly, take advantage of these useful tips.

Preparation for Departure. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check in and go through security without rushing. Many regional airlines allow online check-in, which saves time. Security checkpoints here are usually less busy, but security rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When departing from La Fortuna or arriving here, try to get a window seat. If you are lucky with the weather and route, an unforgettable view of the Arenal Volcano will open up to you. Regarding hand luggage, besides the standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, remember the specifics of Costa Rica: the export of certain plants, seeds, and unprocessed products may be restricted. Check the rules of your airline, especially if you are bringing home coffee or other organic souvenirs.

Connections and Customs. Fortuna Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have a connection to an international flight in San José or Liberia, allow sufficient time. Most likely, you will have to collect your luggage and go through check-in and security control again. When entering the country through this airport, customs control is standard: you need to fill out a declaration and be prepared for luggage inspection. The import of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products is strictly controlled to protect the country's unique ecosystem.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book tickets in advance and carefully study the baggage allowance of your airline — regional carriers may have stricter rules, and excess weight fees can be high. In case of a flight delay, first contact an airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation. In a small airport, amenities may be limited, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and a water bottle that can be filled after security screening.