glockdiver69
5/15/2015 11:55 EST
Hi T.C.,
Yes there is an airport that is currently being built near Tola. The exact location is just past Hacienda Iguana as you drive towards Rancho Santana (Limon + Limon Dos). The name of the airport is Costa Esmeralda and it is scheduled to open by mid-December.
I was just at our house in Rancho Santana about 1 month ago, so here is what I know and saw with my own eyes. The runway is fully completed (paved but not striped). The runway has been built to 1500m in length, which I am told will handle aircraft (jet and prop) of up to 72 passengers. I have been also told by 2 very good sources that there are plans in the future to extend the runway to accommodate aircraft of the 737-800 or A320 size. I have also been told that the first flights are scheduled to be intra-Nicaraguan (ex. Corn islands or MGA) or short flights from neighboring C.A. countries (ex.Liberia or SAL). So no direct flights from Miami or Houston, yet. The amount of traffic that they are expecting will be around 5-7 flights per day on average.
They still have the concrete "factory" onsite and A LOT of heavy equipment. That heavy equipment was being used to clear and prepare the grounds for the building of the terminal, customs area and administrative buildings. There was also other building materials on-site but it was to far away to see great detail. (The security guard would only let me go so far into the project). I have seen the final artist rendition of the terminal, and it looks very nice and contemporary.
Furthermore, there appears to be a small "commercial" building being built very near the airport on the inland side of the road. I do not know what it is, but it looks like it would hold 4-6 small retail or service oriented store (ex. rental car, small tienda, small restaurant, cell phone store).
That is all I know for now. IMHO, once this airport is complete, I would bet that the road will continue to get paved at least up to the airport entrance. Right now, the new paving (with solid brick pavers) has stopped at the entrance to Playa Gigante. Gone are the days when you REALLY needed a 4x4 to get by.
All in all, this airport will propel our little region forward and should create some good jobs. The airport will allow for the continuation of the entrepreneurial spirit of the area. I see (and have witnessed) future growth for the area and a brighter future for all, expat and local alike.
Hope this helps.
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