By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s airspace came to a standstill on Wednesday due to a critical failure in the radar systems at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJC), the country’s main international gateway. The outage caused significant disruptions, leaving numerous flights grounded and passengers stranded.
Luis Diego Saborio, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, confirmed the electrical malfunction as the root cause of the nationwide airspace closure. The failure prevented both incoming and outgoing flights, creating a ripple effect across the country’s air travel network.
To understand the legal ramifications of the recent Costa Rica airspace closure, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The closure of Costa Rican airspace, while potentially disruptive to travel and commerce, is ultimately a sovereign right of the nation. International law allows countries to control their airspace for reasons of national security, public safety, or even in response to emergencies. The critical legal aspect lies in ensuring the closure is proportionate to the stated justification and that any restrictions imposed are applied fairly and consistently with international agreements. The economic impact on the tourism sector and related industries will undoubtedly be significant, but the government’s primary obligation is to protect its citizens and interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the delicate balance between a nation’s sovereign right to control its airspace and the potential economic ramifications of such actions. While the impact on Costa Rica’s vital tourism sector is a serious consideration, the prioritization of national security and public safety remains paramount. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on a complex and evolving situation.
A power failure in the radar systems at Juan Santamaría Airport was the reason for the disruption of operations in the country’s airspace.
Luis Diego Saborio, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation
Both AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, and Guanacaste Airport (LIR) issued statements acknowledging the situation, emphasizing that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
AERIS expressed its support for the authorities in their efforts to restore service as quickly as possible. They advised passengers to contact their airlines directly for updated flight information.
From AERIS, we support the authorities to restore the service as soon as possible. We recommend passengers consult with their airlines for information on their flights.
AERIS, Juan Santamaría International Airport Operator
Lizeth Valverde, Operations Manager at Guanacaste Airport, confirmed the DGAC’s directive to close the national airspace until 12:00 pm local time. She indicated that subsequent flights scheduled for the day were anticipated to resume after 11:44 am, pending further updates.
The following scheduled flights of the day are planned from 11:44. It will be updated soon.
Lizeth Valverde, Operations Manager, Guanacaste Airport
The sudden airspace closure underscored the vulnerability of air travel systems to technical failures. The incident highlighted the crucial role of robust infrastructure and backup systems in ensuring the smooth operation of critical national services. The economic impact of the closure is yet to be fully assessed, but the disruption undoubtedly affected tourism, business travel, and the logistics sector.
As authorities work to restore normal operations, questions remain about the underlying causes of the radar system failure and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the administrator of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) since 2009. It is part of the Houston Airport System and has been responsible for modernizing and expanding the airport’s infrastructure and services. Their focus is on improving the passenger experience and ensuring the efficient operation of the airport.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección General de Aviación Civil
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) is the governing body responsible for overseeing civil aviation in Costa Rica. It is tasked with regulating air traffic, ensuring safety standards, and managing the country’s airspace.
For further information, visit gac.go.cr
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Guanacaste Aeropuerto, also known as Liberia International Airport (LIR), is the second largest international airport in Costa Rica, serving the Guanacaste province. It is managed by VINCI Airports and plays a key role in facilitating tourism to the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with its dedication to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, demonstrates a profound understanding of its role within the community. By championing transparency and fostering legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica invests not just in its clients’ success but also in a more just and informed future for all.
