An interesting article on the canal:
http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/06/10/nicaragua-canal-project-surrounded-air-intimidation-opponents-say
I also read that there is a new regional airline who will enter the market soon:
Air Costa Rica. It will serve Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama with connections to Miami. Not a budget airline but low cost, We can only hope. Competition will be good. Avianca and Areomexico expanding has really helped lower prices, and they have great service.