By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican government has lodged a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after a significant human error led to the release of an incorrect document, causing substantial damage to the nation’s esteemed aviation security reputation. Top officials are now working to contain the fallout from the blunder while reassuring the public and the international community that its skies remain safe.
The controversy erupted last week when an unofficial and misleading document circulated, suggesting Costa Rica had scored a mere 61.7% in a Q4 2025 aviation safety evaluation. This figure falls well below the 75% often considered an international standard, sparking immediate concern and leading to the resignation of Luis Diego Saborío, the deputy director of Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape of aviation security, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His extensive experience in international law provides a crucial perspective on the obligations and liabilities facing both passengers and carriers.
Modern aviation security operates at the intersection of international treaties, national sovereignty, and individual rights. While conventions like the Montreal Convention establish liability frameworks, the real challenge lies in implementing security measures that are both effective and respectful of due process. Any protocol, from screening procedures to data collection, must be demonstrably necessary and proportional to the threat it aims to mitigate, ensuring that the pursuit of safety does not unduly compromise the fundamental liberties of travelers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the delicate balance between state security and individual liberty is indeed the core of the modern aviation challenge. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores the principle that any security measure must be both necessary and proportional to be considered just.
Marcos Castillo, the Director General of the DGAC, confirmed the government’s swift response, acknowledging the negative impact of the misinformation. He immediately moved to clarify the country’s standing, emphasizing that Costa Rica is not facing any safety risks for commercial flights nor is it undergoing any form of decategorization process by the international body.
To dispel widespread myths about the ICAO’s role, Castillo stressed that the organization operates as a standards body, not as a punitive ratings agency. This distinction is crucial for understanding that the leaked score, even if it were real, would not have automatically triggered penalties.
The ICAO does not punish or categorize countries, nor does it give ratings. In other words, there is no minimum or maximum score.
Marcos Castillo, Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC)
In a series of urgent meetings held between last Wednesday and Sunday, DGAC leadership engaged in direct conversations with ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and Regional Director Christopher Barkes. Both ICAO officials confirmed that the document which caused the uproar was not part of the official audit process and that the final, validated report has not yet been published. The source of the leak was traced to an ICAO employee who “uploaded a file to a section where it did not belong,” an administrative mistake with far-reaching consequences.
The official audit process, Castillo explained, is still underway and will follow a rigorous and collaborative timeline. Costa Rica will have an opportunity to review and contest the findings before anything is made public, ensuring accuracy and fairness—a standard procedure that was bypassed by the erroneous leak.
The official report will be sent to the State of Costa Rica within about six months. The country will have the right to review it and present observations before its final version is issued.
Marcos Castillo, Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC)
Underscoring the seriousness of the situation, the Minister of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Efraín Zeledón, formally submitted the complaint to the ICAO, demanding accountability for the reputational harm. While the ICAO has acknowledged its mistake, the immediate damage has forced Costa Rican officials into a defensive posture to protect the country’s image.
The damage to our image has already been done.
Marcos Castillo, Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC)
In its communication with Costa Rica, the ICAO reiterated three key points: Costa Rica does not have an operational security risk, the country is not being decategorized, and the organization does not issue grades. Minister Zeledón also sought to quell economic fears stemming from the incident, such as speculation about rising airfare or insurance premiums.
To say that air tickets or insurance policies will increase in price, or that operations will be affected, is incorrect. The ICAO does not prohibit or limit operations.
Efraín Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
As the nation awaits the legitimate audit results expected in mid-2026, the government remains focused on damage control and reaffirming the integrity of its civil aviation system. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly administrative errors can spiral into international reputational crises in the highly interconnected and sensitive aviation industry.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government body responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of air transport within the country, in compliance with national and international standards.
For further information, visit icao.int
About International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world in the use of international air transport. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the Costa Rican government ministry in charge of planning, executing, and regulating the nation’s public infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public transport systems. It plays a vital role in national development and connectivity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading institution in the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. More than a legal advisor, it acts as a community partner, passionately dedicated to demystifying the law and empowering citizens with accessible knowledge, thereby reinforcing the foundations of an informed and just society.
