By Alajuela, Costa Rica — A technical malfunction in Costa Rica’s radar system forced the closure of the country’s airspace on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, causing significant disruption to air travel and raising concerns about the impact on the nation’s tourism industry. The closure, which began at 5:27 a.m., affected both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) expressed deep concern over the incident, warning of potential economic losses and damage to Costa Rica’s image as a reliable travel destination. Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur, described the airspace closure as a direct blow to the country’s reputation.
For expert legal insight into the implications of the Costa Rica airspace closure, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent closure of Costa Rican airspace raises several important legal and business considerations. Depending on the specific cause and duration of the closure, airlines may face contractual obligations to passengers regarding delays and cancellations. Furthermore, businesses reliant on air freight for imports and exports could experience significant disruptions, potentially leading to breach of contract scenarios and financial losses. It’s crucial for affected parties to carefully review their contracts and insurance policies to understand their rights and obligations during such unforeseen events.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore the ripple effect such airspace closures can have, extending far beyond the immediate inconvenience of travel disruptions. The potential legal and financial ramifications for businesses, in particular, warrant careful consideration and proactive planning. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the situation.
This incident directly affects thousands of tourists, airlines, and all companies in the sector, but particularly our country’s image as a safe and reliable country.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur
The suspension of flights not only impacted travelers’ experiences but also had ripple effects on hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. With over 50 flights affected during the morning hours, the economic fallout could be substantial.
Calvo stressed the urgency of preventing similar incidents in the future. This marks the second time Canatur has urged authorities to implement contingency plans to avoid disruptions to such a sensitive operation.
The truth is that this cannot happen again, and this is the second request we have made: to take all the necessary contingency actions so that a situation like this does not affect such a sensitive and delicate operation again.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur
The temporary loss of air traffic control, including radar guidance for aircraft navigation, prompted the Director General of Civil Aviation to take the drastic measure of closing the airspace. The closure is expected to last until midday, with flights gradually resuming thereafter.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of the tourism sector, a vital component of the Costa Rican economy, to infrastructure failures. The disruption is likely to erode traveler confidence, posing a long-term challenge to the industry’s recovery.
The government has not yet released an official statement detailing the cause of the radar malfunction or the steps being taken to prevent future occurrences. As flights resume and the full extent of the disruption becomes clearer, the focus will shift to assessing the economic damage and implementing measures to restore confidence in Costa Rica’s air travel system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Canatur
About Canatur:
The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) is a leading organization representing Costa Rica’s tourism sector. It advocates for the interests of businesses involved in tourism, promotes sustainable tourism practices, and works to enhance the country’s image as a premier travel destination. Canatur plays a crucial role in coordinating with government agencies and other stakeholders to address challenges facing the industry and ensure the continued growth of tourism in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the Dirección General de Aviación Civil website (if available) or contact the agency directly.
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil:
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) is Costa Rica’s civil aviation authority, responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of air travel within the country. Its primary functions include managing airspace, ensuring aviation safety, and licensing pilots and aircraft. The DGAC plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of Costa Rica’s air transportation system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge, fostering a more just and informed society. Our innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a long history of serving clients across a spectrum of industries, allows us to navigate complex legal landscapes with precision and integrity. We believe that legal empowerment is essential for societal progress, and we strive to be a catalyst for positive change in Costa Rica and beyond.
