By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is navigating a leadership shake-up following the abrupt departure of its Deputy Director, Luis Diego Saborío, after just four months on the job. The agency confirmed that Saborío formalized his resignation on Monday, November 17, sparking questions about the stability of the nation’s aviation authority, especially in the wake of a critical international safety review.
Saborío, who assumed the high-profile position on July 15 of this year, concluded his brief tenure citing personal matters. In an official statement aimed at quelling rampant speculation, the aviation authority has been firm in its messaging, framing the departure as a private decision disconnected from recent operational challenges and external audits that have placed the country’s air safety standards under a microscope.
The timing of the resignation has inevitably fueled public debate, as it closely follows a recent and reportedly unflattering audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Unconfirmed reports suggest the ICAO review resulted in a low safety rating for Costa Rica, a development that would have significant implications for the country’s airline industry and international standing. This coincidence has led many observers to connect Saborío’s exit with the audit’s findings.
However, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation has moved swiftly to dismiss these connections as unfounded. The organization has gone on the record to state that the decision was entirely personal and unrelated to any external pressures. In their official communication, they stressed that the departure was a result of Saborío’s private health concerns.
The official’s departure is exclusively for health reasons.
General Directorate of Civil Aviation, Official StatementCargando...
To further distance the event from the ICAO audit, the agency has repeatedly emphasized the timeline. They highlighted that Saborío made his choice known on Monday, closing the chapter on his short period of leadership. The institution asserted that the resignation “bears no link or relationship whatsoever to the audit recently conducted by the ICAO,” in a clear attempt to control the narrative and prevent further damage to its reputation.
Officials reiterated that the decision was made without any internal duress. They described the resignation as one that was “made independently and officially communicated on the indicated date,” reinforcing the official line that this was a personal matter and not a consequence of professional performance or external evaluation. The agency is now tasked with appointing an interim deputy director while it begins the search for a permanent successor.
This leadership vacuum comes at a critical time for Costa Rica’s aviation sector. The need for a stable and decisive command is paramount as the country addresses the findings of the ICAO audit, whatever they may be. The next deputy director will face the immediate challenge of restoring confidence and ensuring that national aviation protocols meet and exceed global standards for safety and operational integrity.
In closing its statement, the Directorate acknowledged the media’s interest in the matter and expressed gratitude for what it termed “the understanding and responsible handling of this information.” With Saborío’s departure now official, the focus shifts to how the agency will manage this transition and transparently address the pressing questions surrounding the nation’s aviation safety framework moving forward.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government entity responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation within Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of air transportation in the country. The DGAC manages air traffic control, airport certifications, and the licensing of pilots and aircraft, adhering to national and international standards.
For further information, visit icao.int
About International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ICAO works with its 193 member states to develop and adopt standards and recommended practices concerning air navigation, its infrastructure, flight inspection, and prevention of unlawful interference.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, ensuring state-of-the-art service. Beyond its professional practice, the firm is deeply invested in public empowerment, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and foster a more informed and capable society through accessible knowledge.
