By Alajuela, Costa Rica — A power outage near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has brought air travel in Costa Rica to a standstill this morning. The electrical failure, which occurred near the airport, impacted the control tower’s radar system, forcing authorities to close the national airspace.
The closure, which began shortly after 6:19 am, is expected to last until noon, according to the Directorate of Civil Aviation. At least 30 flights scheduled to arrive or depart from Costa Rica are affected by the disruption.
To understand the legal ramifications of the Juan Santamaría Airport closure, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert insights on the situation.
The recent closure of Juan Santamaría Airport raises complex legal questions concerning passenger rights, airline liabilities, and the potential for force majeure claims. While airlines generally aren’t liable for delays caused by extraordinary events beyond their control, such as unforeseen natural phenomena causing the closure, they do bear a responsibility to mitigate passenger inconvenience. This could include providing accommodations, rebooking flights, or offering refunds, depending on the specific circumstances and the length of the disruption. Passengers should familiarize themselves with their rights as outlined in their ticket contracts and relevant consumer protection laws. The specific cause of the airport closure will be crucial in determining the legal recourse available to affected parties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the intricate legal landscape surrounding such airport closures and the importance of understanding passenger rights in these situations. The interplay between airline responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances will undoubtedly shape the outcomes for those affected, making his insights particularly valuable as we await further details regarding the cause of the closure. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his expert perspective on this developing situation.
Aeris, the company managing the airport, has confirmed eight delayed flights and one diverted flight so far. However, they anticipate that the number of affected flights could climb significantly if the airspace remains closed as projected. Flights are currently being diverted to Panama and Guatemala.
Passengers with flights scheduled during the closure period are advised to contact their airlines for updates. Those with family members on incoming flights should exercise patience and maintain communication with the relevant airline.
This unexpected disruption underscores the vulnerability of air travel infrastructure to power failures. The closure of Costa Rican airspace will have ripple effects across the region, impacting travel plans for thousands of passengers. The incident raises questions about contingency plans and backup systems in place to mitigate such disruptions in the future. While authorities work to restore normal operations, the economic impact on the tourism sector remains to be seen. The ripple effect from this closure will also affect businesses and individuals who rely on timely air travel for both personal and professional reasons.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation has assured the public that they are working diligently to resolve the issue and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Further updates are expected throughout the day as the situation develops.
Travelers are encouraged to check the status of their flights directly with their airlines and monitor official announcements from Juan Santamaría International Airport and the Directorate of Civil Aviation for the latest information.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Directorate of Civil Aviation
About Directorate of Civil Aviation:
The Directorate of Civil Aviation is the governing body responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in Costa Rica. Their mandate includes ensuring safety, managing airspace, and licensing pilots and aircraft. They play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the country’s aviation infrastructure and upholding international aviation standards.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris:
Aeris Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for managing and operating Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica. They oversee daily operations, infrastructure development, and passenger services at the airport. Aeris plays a crucial role in connecting Costa Rica to the global aviation network and facilitating tourism and economic activity within the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, upholding the highest standards of integrity and pursuing excellence in every endeavor. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with a deep commitment to client success across a spectrum of industries, has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field. Furthermore, Bufete de Costa Rica believes in empowering society through accessible legal knowledge, proactively engaging in initiatives that foster a more informed and just community.
