{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Airport", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "Nicaragua", "addressLocality": "Tola" }, "airlines": [ "Sansa Airlines", "La Coste\u00f1a", "Private Charters" ], "amenityFeature": [ { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time", "value": "60 minutes" }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time", "value": "90 minutes" }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time", "value": "90 minutes" }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "International to International Connection Time", "value": "120 minutes" }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Interline Connection Time", "value": "120 minutes" } ], "city": "Tola", "code": "ECI", "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/ECI", "connection_tips": "Costa Esmeralda Airport (ECI) is a premier private international facility serving the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, designed with a 'barefoot luxury' aesthetic to provide direct access to the region's high-end resorts. For travelers connecting through ECI, the most important tip is to ensure your resort shuttle is pre-booked at least 48 hours in advance. Ground transportation options are extremely limited at this private airfield; there are no on-demand taxi ranks or public bus services at the terminal. If you are planning to rent a vehicle, a high-clearance SUV or 4x4 is strongly recommended due to the unpaved nature of the secondary roads in the Tola region.\n\nFor budget-conscious travelers, the nearest public 'chicken bus' stops are several kilometers away, requiring a pre-arranged taxi for the final leg. The airport features full on-site customs and immigration services, making it a highly efficient entry point for international flights from San Jos\u00e9 (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) in Costa Rica. The terminal building is compact and exceptionally easy to navigate, with check-in and security typically taking less than 15 minutes.\n\nWithin the facility, amenities include a cozy caf\u00e9, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a duty-free shop featuring local Nicaraguan cigars and rum. Because the airport operates during daylight hours only, stay mindful of potential delays that could push your arrival past sunset. Lastly, for those visiting for surfing or wellness retreats at Rancho Santana or Guacalito de la Isla, ECI offers a remarkably stress-free and scenic alternative to the multi-hour drive from Managua.", "country": "Nicaragua", "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/ni.png", "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=NIO", "frequent_traveler_tip": [ "Private/GA airport; no scheduled service at this airport.", "FBO services available for private aircraft at this airport.", "Runway length 525m; check performance at this airport.", "Ground transport: Taxis available at arrivals curb at this airport.", "Processing is usually fast here, but daylight limits still matter." ], "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Costa+Esmeralda+Airport", "google_maps_reviews": { "rating": 0.0, "recent_reviews": [], "total_reviews": 0 }, "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=NIO", "iataCode": "ECI", "icao": "MNCE", "international": false, "last_modified": "June 2026", "last_updated": "2026-03-29", "latitude": 11.4014, "layover_planner_info": "Luxury regional terminal with a caf\u00e9, duty-free, and free Wi-Fi; all ground logistics are resort-coordinated.", "longitude": -86.0314, "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 60, "mct_domestic_to_international": 90, "mct_interline": 120, "mct_international_to_domestic": 90, "mct_international_to_international": 120, "missed_connection_help": "Contact the airport administration office or your resort concierge for assistance with rebooking or local accommodation.", "name": "Costa Esmeralda Airport", "region": "Central America", "related_airports": [ { "code": "MGA", "name": "Augusto C. Sandino International Airport" }, { "code": "NCR", "name": "San Carlos Airport" } ], "terminal_info": "Costa Esmeralda Airport (ECI) is a premier private international facility serving the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, located approximately 10 kilometers west of Tola. Inaugurated in 2015, the airport was specifically designed to provide direct access to the region's high-end luxury resorts, including Mukul Beach and Rancho Santana. It features a single 1,525-meter (5,000-foot) paved runway and acts as a critical gateway for international travelers looking to avoid the multi-hour drive from Managua or Liberia.\n\nThe passenger terminal is designed with a 'barefoot luxury' aesthetic, utilizing local materials and open-air spaces to create a welcoming tropical environment. Despite its compact size, the facility offers high-quality amenities including a cozy caf\u00e9, a retail shop featuring local Nicaraguan handicrafts, and a well-stocked duty-free store for international arrivals. Full customs and immigration services are available on-site during operational hours, ensuring a streamlined entry process for travelers arriving on international flights. The terminal also provides free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating areas overlooking the airfield.\n\nCommercial air services at ECI are provided by regional carriers including Sansa Airlines, which connects the airport with San Jos\u00e9 (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) in Costa Rica, and La Coste\u00f1a, which offers links to Managua (MGA). Many travelers arrive via private charter flights from North America and other Central American hubs. Ground transportation is primarily managed through pre-arranged resort shuttles and private transfers, as on-demand taxi services are limited at the airport. The facility operates during daylight hours only and is equipped with modern rescue and fire-fighting services to support international safety standards.", "terminal_map_url": "https://www.aeropuertocostaesmeralda.com/airport-services" }