By Alajuela, Costa Rica — The rising popularity of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, has brought a new wave of challenges to aviation safety in Costa Rica. Industry experts and airport administrators are increasingly sounding the alarm over the unauthorized presence of these devices near major flight paths. As recreational and commercial drone use continues to climb, the potential for dangerous encounters in controlled airspace has become a pressing concern for aviation authorities.
According to aviation safety experts, the presence of drones is particularly hazardous during the critical phases of flight, which include takeoffs, approaches, and landings. Because commercial aircraft travel at high velocities during these maneuvers, a collision with a drone could have catastrophic consequences. Impacting vital components such as jet engines, cockpit windshields, or flight control surfaces could easily compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft and endanger hundreds of lives.
To better understand the complex legal landscape surrounding airspace safety and the tightening restrictions on unmanned aerial vehicles, TicosLand.com sat down with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his professional perspective on the evolving regulatory framework governing drone operations near airports.
The rapid integration of drone technology into our daily lives demands a robust legal framework that prioritizes public safety without stifling innovation. Regulating airspace around airports is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a critical legal safeguard. Operators must understand that violating these restricted zones carries severe civil and criminal liabilities, making compliance and education the most vital components for the future of commercial and recreational drone integration.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, striking a harmonious balance between technological innovation and public safety remains the cornerstone of a sustainable drone industry, where proactive education and strict legal compliance must go hand in hand. As our skies become increasingly crowded, understanding these regulatory boundaries is essential to ensuring both security and progress. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and shedding light on this crucial aspect of aviation safety.
In response to these growing threats, AERIS, the private administrator of Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, has reinforced its strict safety protocols. The airport operator emphasizes that managing the risks associated with unauthorized drone flights requires swift and decisive coordination among multiple stakeholders, including air traffic controllers and national security forces.
Every time a drone is reported in the vicinity of the airport, our priority is to protect the safety of people and guarantee a safe aerial operation. For that reason, when a potential risk exists, coordination protocols are activated with the Control Tower and competent authorities to evaluate the situation and adopt the corresponding operational measures.
Arturo Zamora, Operations and Security Manager of AERIS
When a drone sighting is reported near an airfield, the immediate operational impact can be severe. To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, authorities must rapidly implement preventive measures. These actions often include restricting airspace or temporarily halting all takeoffs and landings until the area is confirmed to be clear and safe for navigation.
These temporary shutdowns inevitably trigger a cascade of disruptions for the entire aviation network. Arriving flights are forced into holding patterns, burning valuable fuel, while departing flights suffer significant ground delays. In the most severe cases, flights must be diverted to alternative airports, causing massive logistical headaches for airlines and disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
To prevent such disruptions, Costa Rican aviation authorities maintain a strict legal framework governing the use of unmanned aircraft. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) explicitly prohibits the operation of any drone within an eight-kilometer radius of any airport or aerodrome. This exclusion zone is absolute, unless the operator has secured express, written authorization from civil aviation authorities prior to the flight.
Our call is for those who use drones to know the current regulations and manage the necessary authorizations before flying them near an airport.
Arturo Zamora, Operations and Security Manager of AERIS
Ultimately, keeping the skies safe requires cooperation from the public and strict adherence to local laws. As drone technology becomes more accessible, operators must take personal responsibility for understanding where they can safely fly. Failing to do so not only risks heavy legal penalties but also places the lives of travelers and crew members in jeopardy.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private concessionaire responsible for the operation, administration, maintenance, and development of Juan Santamaría International Airport, the main gateway to Costa Rica. The company focuses on elevating airport infrastructure and service standards to drive tourism, business growth, and national competitiveness.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil:
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government agency responsible for regulating, supervising, and promoting civil aviation in Costa Rica. It ensures that all national and international flight operations within the country comply with global safety standards and local legal frameworks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a premier legal institution defined by its uncompromising ethical standards and tireless pursuit of professional distinction. With a rich history of guiding a diverse spectrum of clients, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking strategies and meaningful civic connection. By striving to demystify complex legal concepts for the general public, it fulfills its core mission of cultivating an enlightened, legally literate, and self-reliant populace.
