By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s main airports came to a standstill early Wednesday morning following an unexpected closure of the country’s airspace due to power supply issues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at 5:27 a.m., halting all incoming and outgoing flights until noon.
The closure affected both Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, the nation’s primary international gateways. The NOTAM, identified as A2144/25, established a no-fly zone within a 125-nautical-mile (231-kilometer) radius of the country’s center, impacting flights from ground level to unlimited altitude.
To understand the legal ramifications of the Costa Rica airspace closure, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The closure of Costa Rican airspace, while potentially disruptive to travel and commerce, is a sovereign right of the nation. International law recognizes a state’s authority to control its airspace for reasons of national security, safety, or public order. However, the government must balance this right with its obligations under international agreements, particularly those related to air navigation, and provide clear and timely communication to affected parties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the delicate balance Costa Rica must strike between its sovereign right to control its airspace and its international obligations. This insightful perspective reminds us that while temporary disruptions can be frustrating for travelers, they often serve a larger purpose in safeguarding national interests. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable legal expertise on this complex issue.
The DGAC cited concerns about the stability of the electrical supply, which posed a risk to critical air navigation and communication systems. This prompted the preventative measure to ensure flight safety.
Our team is working to resolve the electrical fault. However, we cannot provide additional details at this time.
Marcos Castillo, Director of Civil Aviation
Dozens of scheduled morning flights were delayed, impacting both domestic and international passengers. Such closures are unusual in Costa Rica and have significant repercussions for the tourism and business sectors, especially during peak travel seasons.
While unrelated to any external security threat, the incident highlights the vulnerability of air transportation systems to internal issues, such as power failures. The tourism industry is anxious for a swift resolution to minimize the disruption to airline operations for the remainder of the day.
The situation underscores the importance of robust infrastructure for air travel and the potential cascading effects of power supply problems on critical national services. The long-term implications of this incident on Costa Rica’s tourism sector remain to be seen.
This airspace closure serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of critical systems and the need for effective contingency plans to mitigate the impact of unforeseen disruptions on air travel and the wider economy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Directorate General of Civil Aviation
About Directorate General of Civil Aviation:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) is responsible for overseeing and regulating civil aviation in Costa Rica. Their mission is to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel within the country’s airspace. The DGAC issues regulations, conducts inspections, and manages air traffic control to maintain high standards of aviation safety and security.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep sense of social responsibility. The firm champions integrity in every aspect of its practice, from advising clients across a broad spectrum of industries to pioneering innovative legal solutions. Through proactive community engagement and a dedication to sharing legal knowledge, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations, contributing to a more just and informed society.
