List of Airports in Nicaragua
As of 2024, there are 10 airports throughout the country of Nicaragua according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Nicaragua are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Nicaragua
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Augusto C Sandino Airport | MGA | Managua | Medium |
| 2 | Bluefields Airport | BEF | Bluefields | Small |
| 3 | Corn Island Airport | RNI | Corn Island | Small |
| 4 | Nueva Guinea Airport | NVG | Nueva Guinea | Small |
| 5 | Puerto Cabezas Airport | PUZ | Puerto Cabezas | Small |
| 6 | Rosita Airport | RFS | Rosita | Small |
| 7 | San Carlos Airport | NCR | San Carlos | Small |
| 8 | San Pedro Airport | BZA | Bonanza | Small |
| 9 | Siuna Airport | SIU | Siuna | Small |
| 10 | Waspam Airport | WSP | Waspam | Small |
Major Airports in Nicaragua
1. Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (Managua)
Airport Code:
MGA
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST)
Address:
Carretera Norte, Managua, Nicaragua
Nearby Cities:
- Managua – 6 miles
- Masaya – 18 miles
- León – 56 miles
- Chinandega – 93 miles
- Granada – 33 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Avianca
- Copa Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
1.5 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, located in the capital city of Managua, is the primary international gateway for travelers visiting Nicaragua. The airport was originally opened in the 1960s and was named after Augusto César Sandino, a revolutionary leader and national hero of Nicaragua. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and modernizations to accommodate the increasing demand for international and domestic flights.
The airport’s role in connecting Nicaragua to the rest of Central America and the world has grown significantly, with a sharp increase in tourist traffic in recent years. With its strategic location near the Pacific coast, it serves as a crucial hub for both regional and international flights, facilitating trade and tourism. The airport has had to adapt to the growing number of flights, with modern infrastructure improvements and a consistent focus on enhancing passenger experience.
In addition to its commercial flights, the airport has been a focal point during times of national crisis, such as political unrest and natural disasters, when it has played an important role in facilitating humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is a modern facility designed to accommodate both large aircraft and an increasing number of passengers. The airport features two terminals—one for domestic flights and another for international flights. The airport has two runways, each equipped to handle aircraft of varying sizes.
- Runway 1: Length 8,200 feet (2,500 meters)
- Runway 2: Length 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)
Both runways are long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A330. The airport’s primary runway is particularly suited for long-haul flights, serving as the main route for large international carriers.
The airport is equipped with modern navigation systems and infrastructure to handle diverse types of aircraft. The terminals offer various amenities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and banking services. There are also car rental facilities and parking options for both short-term and long-term stays.
The airport has a significant role in the Nicaraguan economy, not only serving tourists but also facilitating the transport of goods and resources for local industries.
2. Costa Esmeralda Airport (Rivas)
Airport Code:
ECR
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST)
Address:
Rivas, Nicaragua
Nearby Cities:
- Rivas – 5 miles
- San Juan del Sur – 15 miles
- Tola – 25 miles
- Granada – 49 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- La Costeña
- Avianca
- TransNica
Annual Passenger Traffic:
100,000 passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Costa Esmeralda Airport, located in the southwestern part of Nicaragua near the Pacific coast, serves as a regional airport that connects the tourist-rich area of the Emerald Coast to the rest of Nicaragua and Central America. The airport opened in 2012 to cater to the growing influx of tourists visiting the nearby beach destinations such as San Juan del Sur and Tola.
The region is known for its beautiful beaches, surf spots, and eco-tourism, and Costa Esmeralda plays a vital role in attracting international tourists. The airport is mainly used by domestic flights, with occasional international services from neighboring countries such as Costa Rica. The infrastructure of the airport is modest but growing, with the goal of developing the region into a more prominent international tourist hub.
Over the years, the airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, thanks in part to the development of luxury resorts and tourism-related projects in the area. Costa Esmeralda is also important for the movement of goods and people within the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Costa Esmeralda Airport is equipped with a single runway, designed primarily for small and medium-sized aircraft, though it is capable of handling larger regional aircraft as well.
- Runway: Length 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)
The runway can accommodate regional jets and small aircraft, making it ideal for the current level of traffic and the type of aircraft serving the airport. The airport facilities include a small terminal building, check-in counters, a café, and car rental services. While it does not have the capacity to handle wide-body aircraft, it serves a crucial role in regional connectivity.
Costa Esmeralda is expected to expand its infrastructure as tourism in the area continues to grow, with plans for terminal upgrades and possibly extending the runway in the future.
3. Bluefields Airport (Bluefields)
Airport Code:
BEF
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST)
Address:
Bluefields, Nicaragua
Nearby Cities:
- Bluefields – 2 miles
- Corn Island – 50 miles
- Pearl Lagoon – 45 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- La Costeña
- Avianca
- Lacsa
Annual Passenger Traffic:
30,000 passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Bluefields Airport is situated in the Caribbean coastal city of Bluefields, in southeastern Nicaragua. The airport is vital for connecting this remote region, which is cut off from the rest of the country by dense jungles, with the rest of Nicaragua and international destinations. Bluefields is a historical and cultural center for Nicaragua’s Afro-Caribbean population, and the airport plays an important role in transporting both locals and tourists.
The airport was originally established in the 1950s to serve the small population of Bluefields and its surrounding areas. Over the years, it has undergone several improvements, though it remains a small regional airport. The main reason for its significance is the geographic isolation of the region, which makes air travel essential for transporting goods, services, and people.
Tourism in Bluefields, particularly eco-tourism, has grown in recent years, leading to an increase in demand for both domestic and international flights. The nearby Corn Islands are a popular tourist destination, which further boosts demand for air travel to and from Bluefields.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bluefields Airport features a single runway, which is sufficient for the smaller aircraft commonly used in regional flights.
- Runway: Length 4,000 feet (1,219 meters)
The airport is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft, and the primary focus is on serving smaller planes such as turboprops and regional jets. The terminal offers basic amenities such as check-in counters, waiting areas, and a small café. Although the airport is not heavily developed, it plays a critical role in connecting the Caribbean region of Nicaragua with the rest of the country.
With its small infrastructure, the airport is currently limited in capacity. However, it is expected to continue growing along with the increasing demand for travel to Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast.
4. San Carlos Airport (San Carlos)
Airport Code:
NCR
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST)
Address:
San Carlos, Río San Juan, Nicaragua
Nearby Cities:
- San Carlos – 1 mile
- El Castillo – 40 miles
- San Juan del Norte – 60 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- La Costeña
- Avianca
Annual Passenger Traffic:
50,000 passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
San Carlos Airport is located in the town of San Carlos, in the Río San Juan department of Nicaragua. This airport serves as a critical link between the central region of the country and the southern border with Costa Rica. San Carlos is an important agricultural hub, especially for the production of cattle, rice, and tropical fruits.
The airport has been in operation since the early 1980s but has seen few upgrades over the years due to the region’s remote nature and limited infrastructure. Despite these challenges, San Carlos remains a vital transportation link for both locals and tourists. The region’s rich biodiversity and proximity to the San Juan River make it a growing destination for eco-tourism.
Facilities and Infrastructure
San Carlos Airport features a relatively short runway, which is primarily used for small regional flights.
- Runway: Length 3,800 feet (1,158 meters)
The airport’s facilities are minimal, with a small terminal that handles domestic flights from Managua and other regional locations. Although the airport cannot accommodate large, wide-body aircraft, it serves its purpose for regional connectivity. The main focus of the airport is on facilitating travel to and from the remote agricultural and tourist regions of Río San Juan.
In the future, the airport may undergo upgrades to expand its capacity and accommodate more flights as the region’s tourism and economy grow.
5. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia, Costa Rica – Nearby Nicaragua)
Airport Code:
LIR
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST)
Address:
Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (Near Nicaragua Border)
Nearby Cities:
- Liberia – 6 miles
- Rivas – 28 miles (across the border in Nicaragua)
- San Juan del Sur – 38 miles (across the border in Nicaragua)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Delta Air Lines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
1 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, although located in Costa Rica, serves as a vital gateway for Nicaraguan travelers from the western region of the country, particularly those in the border areas such as Rivas and San Juan del Sur. Located near Nicaragua’s southern border, this airport has grown significantly over the past decade due to its accessibility for both Nicaraguan and Costa Rican travelers, especially those coming to the Pacific coast.
Opened in 1995, the airport has undergone extensive modernization and expansion, increasing its capacity to handle international flights, especially those from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The proximity to Nicaraguan tourist destinations and its accessibility by road makes it a practical choice for international visitors heading to Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport has one long runway and is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, making it suitable for international long-haul flights.
- Runway: Length 9,000 feet (2,743 meters)
The airport is well-equipped with modern facilities, including multiple boarding gates, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and transportation services. The large runway allows for the operation of wide-body aircraft, making it an important international hub for both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
