Facilities & Services for General Aviation

Arenal Airport provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services tailored to meet the needs of general aviation operators and passengers.

Hangar Facilities

Short and long-term hangar space is available for aircraft protection from the elements, particularly important during Costa Rica's rainy season. Our climate-controlled hangars can accommodate a range of aircraft from small single-engine planes to mid-size business jets.

Security

The general aviation area is secured with 24/7 surveillance, controlled access, and professional security staff to ensure the safety of aircraft, passengers, and crew.

Operating Procedures

Understanding the proper procedures for general aviation operations at Arenal Airport ensures a smooth and efficient experience.

Prior Permission Requirements (PPR)

Prior Permission Required (PPR) is necessary for all non-scheduled flights. Please submit your PPR request at least 24 hours before your planned arrival. For international flights, 48 hours' notice is recommended to arrange customs and immigration services.

Arrival Procedures

1. Flight Plan: File your flight plan with the appropriate ATS unit. Ensure to include your estimated time of arrival (ETA) at Arenal Airport.
2. Communication: Contact Arenal Approach on frequency 118.20 MHz approximately 20 minutes before arrival.
3. Landing: Follow ATC instructions for approach and landing. Standard runway in use is Runway 09.
4. Taxi: After landing, follow marshaller or ATC instructions to designated parking or handling area.
5. Immigration & Customs: For international flights, proceed to the GA terminal for immigration and customs processing.

Departure Procedures

1. Flight Plan: File your departure flight plan at least 1 hour before scheduled departure.
2. Weather Briefing: Obtain a comprehensive weather briefing for your route.
3. Customs & Immigration: For international departures, complete immigration and customs procedures at least 45 minutes before departure.
4. Pre-flight: Conduct thorough pre-flight checks. Fuel services should be requested at least 1 hour before departure.
5. Departure: Contact Arenal Ground on frequency 121.90 MHz for taxi instructions, then switch to Arenal Tower on 118.20 MHz for takeoff clearance.

Noise Abatement Procedures

Arenal Airport implements noise abatement procedures to minimize impact on local communities and the surrounding natural areas:

• Avoid overflying populated areas at low altitudes
• Follow published departure and arrival procedures
• Maintain minimum altitude of 1,000 feet AGL except when necessary for takeoff and landing
• Restrict engine testing between 20:00 and 06:00 local time
• Be mindful of wildlife and natural reserves in the vicinity

Customs and Immigration Requirements

For international flights, the following documentation is required:

• General Declaration
• Passenger Manifest
• Crew Identification and Licenses
• Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness Certificate
• Insurance Certificate
• Valid passports for all passengers and crew

Costa Rican entry requirements apply to all passengers and crew. Please ensure all travelers have the necessary documentation for entry into Costa Rica.

Fees & Charges

The following fee structure applies to general aviation operations at Arenal Airport. All fees are quoted in US Dollars (USD) and are subject to change. Please contact us for the most current fee information.

Landing Fees

Parking Fees (per 24 hours or part thereof)

Handling Fees

Additional Services

Payment Information

Payments can be made using the following methods:

• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Cash (USD or Costa Rican colones)
• Pre-established credit accounts (application required)
• Wire transfer (for advanced bookings only)

All fees must be settled before departure unless prior arrangements have been made with airport management.

Flight Planning Resources

Proper flight planning is essential for safe and efficient operations. The following resources are available to assist with planning your flight to Arenal Airport.

Aeronautical Information

• ICAO Code: MRAN
• IATA Code: FON
• Coordinates: 10°28'12"N 84°38'24"W
• Elevation: 267 ft / 81 m
• Runway: 09/27, 1800m x 30m (5,905 ft x 98 ft), Asphalt
• Runway Strength: PCN 35/F/B/X/T
• ARP: Midpoint of Runway 09/27

Communication Frequencies

• Arenal Approach: 118.20 MHz
• Arenal Tower: 118.20 MHz
• Arenal Ground: 121.90 MHz
• ATIS: 126.75 MHz
• Clearance Delivery: 121.90 MHz

Navigation Aids

• VOR/DME: ARL 112.3 MHz
• NDB: Not available
• Runway Lighting: PAPI (both runways), edge lights, threshold lights
• Approach Lighting: Simple approach lighting system (SALS) for Runway 09

Weather Information

Local weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during the rainy season (May to November). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during this period.

• METAR/TAF: Available via standard aviation weather services
• Local Weather Briefing: Available at the flight planning office
• Prevailing Winds: Generally from the east in the morning, variable in the afternoon
• Special Considerations: Mountain waves possible due to proximity to Arenal Volcano

Flight Planning Services

Our flight planning office provides comprehensive support for GA operations:

• Weather briefings
• NOTAM information
• Flight plan filing
• Route planning assistance
• ATC coordination
• Ground handling arrangements

Local Area Information

Arenal Airport is located in a region with unique topographical features that pilots should be aware of:

• Terrain: Mountainous to the south and east with Arenal Volcano (5,358 ft / 1,633 m) approximately 10 NM southwest
• Wildlife Areas: Multiple wildlife reserves in the vicinity - remain vigilant for bird activity
• Airspace: Class D airspace surrounding the airport with various restricted areas related to national parks
• Special Procedures: Noise abatement procedures in effect for surrounding communities