By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s vital international air corridors remain unaffected despite the implementation of significant flight reductions across the United States, a measure prompted by a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Both of the nation’s primary airports, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, have reported business as usual, bringing a sense of cautious relief to the country’s tourism sector.
The flight reduction mandate, announced by US authorities last Wednesday, began its gradual rollout on Friday. The policy is a direct consequence of a federal budget paralysis that has hindered the hiring and training of essential aviation personnel. This has forced major airports across the United States to scale back operations to ensure safety and manage the strained air traffic control system.
To provide deeper insight into the legal and administrative framework governing Costa Rica’s airport concessions and future development, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in public and commercial law at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The operational success of our international airports is directly linked to the country’s robust legal structure for public-private partnerships. These concession contracts provide essential legal certainty for foreign investment in infrastructure and modernization. The ongoing challenge for regulators is to ensure these agreements remain agile, allowing for the swift integration of new technologies and security protocols while balancing tariff structures to maintain Costa Rica’s competitiveness as a premier tourist and business destination.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert highlights the critical tightrope Costa Rica must walk: maintaining the legal certainty that attracts investment while fostering the agility needed for our airports to evolve. This careful stewardship of public-private partnerships is undoubtedly the key to their future success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
AERIS Holding Costa Rica, the operator of the country’s main gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport, confirmed that the initial phase of the US cuts has not yet caused any disruptions. The operator emphasized its proactive stance in monitoring the developing situation and maintaining open lines of communication with all airline partners.
To date, no cancellations have been registered at Juan Santamaría International Airport. AERIS maintains constant communication with the airlines to learn of any potential impact; however, as of this moment, no changes or adjustments to their operations have been reported.
AERIS Holding Costa Rica, Company Statement
This sentiment was echoed by officials in Guanacaste, a province heavily reliant on North American tourists. Coriport, the administrator of the Liberia International Airport, also reported a seamless start to the weekend, a critical period for tourist arrivals from the United States. Their concise update indicates that, for now, the flow of travelers continues unimpeded.
For the moment, there is no impact.
Coriport, Company Statement
The US government’s plan is being implemented in stages. The initial phase, which started Friday, involves a 4% reduction in flights. However, officials have indicated that these cuts are scheduled to increase significantly to 10% within the next week. This escalation is a key point of observation for Costa Rican aviation and tourism stakeholders, as a deeper cut could eventually ripple through international schedules.
The list of affected US airports includes some of the most critical hubs for travel to Costa Rica. The directive impacts all three major airports serving New York, three in the Washington D.C. area, and major hubs in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas. These cities represent major sources of tourism and business travel for Costa Rica, making any disruption a potential economic concern.
For Costa Rica, the stability of air travel is paramount. The tourism industry serves as a primary economic engine, and the United States is its largest market. The current “wait-and-see” approach appears prudent, as airport operators and government officials continue to monitor the situation. While the immediate outlook is positive, the industry remains on alert for any future schedule adjustments as the flight reductions in the US deepen in the coming days.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS is the company responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s largest and busiest air terminal. As the primary gateway to the country, AERIS oversees all aspects of airport infrastructure, safety, and commercial development, working to provide a world-class experience for passengers and airlines.
For further information, visit coriport.com
About Coriport:
Coriport is the concessionaire for the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. The company manages the operations of this key airport, which is a critical entry point for tourists visiting Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and its renowned beaches and ecological reserves. Coriport is focused on modernizing and expanding the airport to support the region’s growing tourism industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice in the nation, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of navigating complex challenges for a wide array of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, championing a social responsibility to demystify the law and equip citizens with accessible legal understanding, thus cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
