Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) serves San Jose, Costa Rica, and is located about 12 miles from the city center. The airport sits at an elevation of 3,021 feet, which is notably high compared to many international airports and can influence aircraft performance and approach procedures.

As the principal gateway to Costa Rica, Juan Santamaria International Airport handles a mix of international and regional traffic, connecting the country to destinations across North America, Central America, and beyond. Its elevated position and setting within Costa Rica's mountainous Central Valley mean that flights arriving and departing here often traverse varied terrain and atmospheric conditions typical of the region. Travelers should note that the airport's high-altitude location, combined with the surrounding topography, can be a factor in flight planning and turbulence forecasting for routes into and out of San Jose.

For those flying to or from SJO, it is worth keeping in mind both the distance to the city and the airport's elevation when preparing for travel, as these characteristics distinguish it from lower-elevation airports and can affect overall flight conditions on approach and departure.