By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s airspace fully reopened on Wednesday morning following a five-hour disruption caused by a power failure affecting the country’s radar systems. The outage, which began at 5:27 a.m., grounded flights and impacted thousands of passengers at both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) confirmed the restoration of radar functionality at 10:54 a.m. Public Works and Transport Minister Efraím Zeledón has ordered an investigation into the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
To understand the legal ramifications of these air travel disruptions, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent air travel disruptions in Costa Rica raise important questions about passenger rights and airline responsibilities. While airlines often cite force majeure in cases of unforeseen events, the specific circumstances of each disruption determine whether such a defense is valid. Passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations should be aware of their rights to compensation, rebooking, or refunds as outlined in Costa Rican and international aviation regulations. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the disruption, legal action may be warranted to recover damages beyond the basic compensation provided by airlines.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the complexity of navigating air travel disruptions, especially in a situation as dynamic as the one recently experienced in Costa Rica. It’s crucial for passengers to remember they are not powerless in these situations and that resources exist to protect their rights. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on a timely and important issue.
AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, stated that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of the DGAC and deferred to them for official information. AERIS confirmed that airport operations gradually resumed starting at 10:40 a.m. following the DGAC’s announcement. Preliminary reports indicate that 64 commercial flights, 8 cargo flights, and 65 domestic flights were affected, impacting a total of 4,580 passengers. AERIS advised passengers to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information.
At Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Guanacaste, radar operations resumed at 10:36 a.m., allowing flights to proceed as scheduled. Lizeth Valverde, Operations Manager of Guanacaste Airport, urged travelers to contact their airlines for any potential changes to their itineraries and consult Guanacaste Airport’s official channels for the latest updates.
Valverde confirmed that the Liberia airport remained open and operational throughout the morning, experiencing minimal disruption due to the low travel season. The airport confirmed its capacity to handle diverted flights, offering support to Juan Santamaría International Airport if needed.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel infrastructure to power outages and underscores the need for robust backup systems. The economic impact of the disruption, particularly during the peak tourism season, could have been significant. The DGAC’s investigation will play a critical role in determining the root cause of the power failure and implementing measures to prevent future disruptions.
The swift response from both airports in restoring operations minimized the disruption, and authorities are now focusing on understanding the cause of the outage to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The impact on tourism remains to be assessed, but with the issue resolved, Costa Rica continues to welcome visitors to its shores.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the administrator of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) located in Alajuela, Costa Rica. AERIS is responsible for the operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, construction, financing, and promotion of the airport under a 20-year concession agreement with the Costa Rican government. The company is committed to providing a safe and efficient travel experience for passengers while contributing to the economic development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección General de Aviación Civil
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) of Costa Rica is the governing body responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation within the country. Its primary function is to ensure the safety and security of air travel, manage air traffic control, and enforce aviation regulations. The DGAC plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Costa Rica’s airspace and facilitating the smooth operation of its airports.
For further information, visit gac.go.cr
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Guanacaste Aeropuerto, also known as Liberia International Airport (LIR), serves the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is managed by VINCI Airports, a global airport operator. LIR provides air travel access to this popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to societal advancement. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with its dedication to disseminating legal knowledge through educational initiatives, empowers individuals and communities across Costa Rica. By championing access to justice and fostering a culture of legal understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a more informed and empowered society.
