Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is a joint civil-military international airport located in the Puerto Rican suburb of Carolina, 5 km southeast of San Juan. Named after Luis Muñoz Marín, the first democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico, the airport was known as Isla Verde International Airport until it was renamed in February 1985. The port is the busiest airport in the Caribbean region in terms of private jet passenger traffic. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 4 million passengers board at the airport annually, making it the 48th busiest airport regulated by that federal agency.
The airport is owned by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and managed by Aerostar Airport Holdings, a public-private partnership that has been leased to be operated and managed by the Puerto Rican government for 40 years starting in 2013. The airport is the second international airport in the United States or its territories to be privatized and, as of 2013, the only airport in the country currently privatized. The airport serves as a gateway to the Caribbean islands. The port covers an area of 1,600 acres.
Puerto Rico private jet charter prices
Although Luis Muñoz Marín Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → San Juan are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 105.500 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 130.600 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 181.700 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
Luis Muñoz Marín Airport history
In 1959, major airlines introduced jets and with the introduction of jets, flight times were significantly reduced and flight safety became more important. The airport initially had only one runway (8/26), the old control tower above the hotel, 3 terminals and a parking lot for 200 cars. In the early 60s, several expansion and improvement projects started, such as the extension of the runway. Construction of the second runway (10-28) on the south side began in May 1967. The project was completed in 1974 at a cost of about 4.2 million dollars. With the introduction of 747 aircraft, runway 8-26 was strengthened and widened in 1974.
On January 17, 1983, a two-level vehicular access system was built at a cost of about $9.2 million to separate the arrival and departure of passengers at different levels. On February 18, 1985, Puerto Rico Governor Rafael Hernández Colón introduced a project law to Senate Number 1, officially naming the airport after Luis Muñoz Marín, the first popularly elected governor of Puerto Rico. The airport served as a focus city for Pan Am, Trans Caribbean Airways, Eastern Air Lines and, for a short time, TWA. It was also the hub of Puerto Rico’s international airline Prinair from 1966 to 1984. However, service was discontinued when Prinair went bankrupt.
In 1986, American Airlines, along with American Eagle, established a base in Puerto Rico to compete with Eastern Airlines. At its peak in 2001, the American hub hosted more than 72 mainline flights and more than 72 daily flights, including mostly American Eagle flights to the mainland and other Caribbean islands with ATR 60 aircraft.
Airport, Mexicana de Aviación, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Martinair, British Airways, British Caledonian, Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air Europa, PAWA Dominicana, ACES Colombia, BWIA West Indies Airways, ALM Antillean Airlines, Air Jamaica, Viasa, Aeropostal, Volaris, Surinam Airways, It is served by LACSA, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Dominicana De Aviación, Wardair, Allegiant Air, ATA Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, National Airlines (N8), AirTran Airways, Ladeco, Aeronaves de Puerto Rico, Coral Air, Aero Virgin Islands and US Airways.
With the expansion of Eastern Airlines and American Airlines facilities, Puerto Rico became their hub in the Caribbean, reaching the historic figure of 8 million passengers at the end of 1988. That same year, an expansion and renovation investment of 137 million dollars was announced. The 1990s marked the beginning of major projects to modernize and expand facilities and services in response to the increase in passenger and cargo movement and growth projections.
Between 1990 and 2000, several infrastructure works were undertaken with an investment of approximately 128 million dollars. These included the widening of the two-level access road to a maximum of 10 lanes on both levels, the new air traffic control tower designed by Segundo Cardona FAIA, a parallel taxiway linking lanes 8 and 10, a parking garage, and the expansion, replacement and rehabilitation project of the first and second phase of Terminal B.
Between 2000 and 2005, major projects were undertaken, including the third phase of the rehabilitation, modification and expansion of Terminal B, the construction of a new building for the B/C connection and a new building for an air rescue unit. However, due to the economic crisis and oil price shock in 2008, as well as competition from low-cost carriers, American Airlines reduced its San Juan operation and moved its Caribbean hub to Miami. In 2013, as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring, American Airlines closed its San Juan base and retired its ATR fleet. That same year, the airport received significant upgrades, including a new Terminal A, a new runway and expansions, new lighting systems, press conference rooms, consolidated security for Terminals B, C and D, and new fast-food restaurants in the concourses. Opened in 2012, the new Terminal A is currently operated by JetBlue Airways. Although owned by the Airport Port Authority, it has been operated by Aerostar Airport Holdings for 40 years since 2013. Following observations and comments made by politicians, it has been suggested that privatization of the airport is a better solution. Prior to privatization, this resulted in a lack of long-term vision for the airport and disruptions, as the management changed every time different political parties in Puerto Rico changed office..
Places to visit in San Juan
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is a tourist attraction with its historic buildings, vibrant culture, beautiful beaches and rich food and drink options. The city is one of the most beautiful places on the island with its Spanish architecture, historic castles and wonderful landscapes.
El Morro Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in San Juan. Built during the Spanish colonial period, this historic fortress is located on a peninsula in the southwest of the Caribbean Sea and has beautiful views of the island. You can also visit the historic fort of La Fortaleza, located in San Juan. This fortress is currently used by the governor of Puerto Rico.
The Old San Juan district of San Juan is one of the most beautiful parts of the island with its historical structure and colorful houses. Here, tourists can walk through the streets and explore historical buildings, shop in local shops or eat in restaurants. The Cathedral of San Juan, located in Old San Juan, is also one of the places to visit.
San Juan is not only famous for its historical buildings and castles, but also for its beautiful beaches. Balneario de Carolina beach is one of the favorite beaches of tourists. This beach is characterized by its white sandy shores, turquoise sea and bars and restaurants on the beach. Also, Condado Beach is another popular beach visited by tourists. Walking on this beach at sunset and watching the view of the city is also a pleasant activity.
San Juan is one of the most important tourist destinations in Puerto Rico and offers tourists an unforgettable vacation experience with its historical sites, beautiful beaches, rich culture and delicious food.
Luis Muñoz Marín airport transportation details
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center of San Juan. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city center. These include taxi, car rental and public transportation options.
There is a taxi stand at the airport terminal. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to get to the city center by taxi. There are taxi companies with official timetables at the airport, so it is recommended to choose official taxi companies for a safe trip.
Renting a car can be a convenient option for getting around San Juan. There are many car rental companies at the airport terminal. To rent a car, you must be over 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Transportation to the city center can be easily provided by following the directions indicated at the exit from the airport.
Finally, another option for transportation to San Juan city center is public transportation. Bus number 40, departing from the airport terminal, serves on the route to the city center. Bus services usually run every 30 minutes and the average travel time is 40-50 minutes.
