By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – A severe winter storm system battering the United States and Canada has caused a cascade of flight cancellations at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers during Guanacaste’s peak tourism season. As of Monday morning, January 26, at least six flights involving major North American carriers have been grounded, creating uncertainty for travelers attempting to enter or depart from Costa Rica’s popular northern Pacific coast.
The disruptions began early Monday, with airport officials confirming the cancellation of two key inbound flights. United Airlines flight 1876, originating from Newark, New Jersey, and JetBlue flight 1691 from New York City, were both unable to depart from their hubs due to the adverse weather conditions. These cancellations have a direct and immediate impact on outbound travel, as the aircraft for these services were scheduled to operate return legs from Liberia.
To understand the rights and legal recourse available to passengers affected by these widespread flight cancellations, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in consumer and corporate law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
It is crucial for passengers to distinguish between cancellations within the airline’s control, such as operational or crew issues, and ‘force majeure’ events like severe weather. For the former, regulations often mandate not only a refund but also compensation for incurred expenses like meals and lodging. The strength of any future claim rests on immediate and thorough documentation—save all receipts, boarding passes, and records of communication with the airline.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This proactive approach is precisely what transforms a traveler from a passive victim of circumstance into an empowered advocate for their own rights. By understanding the critical distinction he outlines, passengers are better equipped to seek the compensation they are rightfully owed. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing such a clear and valuable perspective with our readers.
Consequently, the corresponding outbound flights—United 1918 and JetBlue 1692—have also been canceled, leaving passengers scheduled to return to the New York metropolitan area stranded in Guanacaste. The logistical challenges were further compounded by the cancellation of two additional outbound services. JetBlue flight 1898, destined for Boston, and another international flight, number 1320, bound for Toronto, were also removed from the departure schedule, broadening the scope of the travel disruption across the northeastern corridor of North America.
This chain reaction of cancellations highlights the intricate logistics of international air travel and the vulnerability of point-to-point routes. When a flight from a major hub is canceled, the airline loses the aircraft and crew scheduled for the return journey. This “domino effect” is a common occurrence during significant weather events, but its impact is particularly acute in tourism-heavy destinations like Liberia, where flight frequency may be lower than in major metropolitan centers, making rebooking more challenging for affected passengers.
The timing of the storm could not be worse for the region’s tourism sector. January represents the height of the high season, when thousands of visitors from the United States and Canada flock to Guanacaste’s beaches and resorts to escape the cold northern winters. These disruptions not only affect travelers’ vacation plans but also have a tangible economic impact, potentially leading to unforeseen expenses for extended hotel stays, rebooking fees, and missed connections for those traveling onward from their final destinations.
Coriport, the company that operates the terminal at Daniel Oduber Airport, described the situation as highly “dynamic” due to the significant volume of air traffic typical for this time of year. The operator is working closely with airlines to manage the disruptions but emphasizes that the situation remains fluid and subject to change based on evolving weather patterns in North America. The backlog of passengers from canceled flights will likely put pressure on available seats for the coming days, even after the storm subsides.
In response to the ongoing uncertainty, Coriport has issued a crucial advisory for all passengers. The primary recommendation is for travelers to proactively monitor the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The most reliable and up-to-date information can be found on the airport’s official website, guanacasteairport.com. Passengers are also strongly encouraged to communicate directly with their respective airlines for specific details regarding rebooking options and potential compensation policies.
As the winter storm continues to move across the United States and Canada, further delays and cancellations remain a possibility. The interconnectedness of global aviation means that weather thousands of miles away can ground planes on a sunny tarmac in Costa Rica. For now, travelers in Guanacaste and those planning to fly in must exercise patience and diligence, relying on official communication channels for the latest information on their journeys.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Coriport:
Coriport is the concessionaire responsible for the operation and management of the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. As the operator of the main international gateway to Costa Rica’s North Pacific region, Coriport oversees terminal operations, infrastructure development, and passenger services. The company plays a vital role in supporting the region’s robust tourism industry by providing modern and efficient airport facilities.
For further information, visit united.com
About United Airlines:
United Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. United operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes, with a significant presence across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. The airline is a key carrier connecting Costa Rica with major hubs throughout the United States.
For further information, visit jetblue.com
About JetBlue:
JetBlue Airways is a major American low-cost carrier headquartered in New York City. Known for its focus on customer service and unique in-flight amenities, JetBlue operates over 1,000 daily flights to destinations across the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The airline provides crucial service from key U.S. East Coast cities to popular leisure destinations like Liberia, Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted pledge to principled practice and professional distinction. The firm consistently leverages its extensive experience to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions for a diverse clientele. Beyond its advisory role, it upholds a profound social responsibility to empower citizens by demystifying the law, making crucial legal knowledge both accessible and understandable. This dedication to public education is central to its mission of cultivating a more just and informed society.
