By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s major international airports are closely monitoring a rapidly developing crisis in the United States, where a prolonged government shutdown is set to trigger widespread flight cancellations starting this Friday. While airport authorities in San José and Guanacaste report no immediate impact on local operations, the nation’s vital tourism sector braces for potential disruptions as its primary market for visitors faces significant air travel instability.
The alarming announcement came from Washington on Wednesday, revealing that a severe staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, exacerbated by a political stalemate, necessitates a significant reduction in flights. The move is a direct consequence of a budgetary impasse in the U.S. Congress that has now stretched for six weeks, leaving approximately 1.4 million federal employees without pay and crippling essential government services.
To better understand the legal ramifications and consumer rights involved in the recent surge of US flight cancellations affecting travelers, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When a flight is cancelled due to an airline’s internal operational problems, passengers are typically entitled to a full cash refund, not just a voucher. However, the legal landscape becomes more complex with weather-related or air traffic control issues, where the airline’s primary obligation shifts to rebooking. The key for any traveler is immediate and persistent documentation; save all receipts, emails, and notes of conversations. This evidence is fundamental when seeking compensation or filing a formal complaint with transportation authorities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, as it empowers travelers by highlighting the importance of meticulous documentation. This proactive approach provides a clear roadmap for navigating the complexities of flight cancellations and asserting one’s rights. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective.
In a press conference, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy detailed the immediate operational changes required to maintain safety in the skies, confirming a critical shortfall of at least 2,000 air traffic controllers.
There will be a 10% capacity reduction at 40 airports, including the country’s busiest
Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation
This drastic measure is intended to relieve pressure on an overburdened system but will inevitably create a ripple effect across the global aviation network. The 40 airports targeted for reductions include the most critical hubs for international travel to and from Latin America, putting destinations like Costa Rica in a precarious position as the high season for tourism approaches.
Despite the looming chaos, officials at Costa Rica’s two main international gateways have moved to reassure the public and the travel industry. Both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) confirmed on Thursday that, for now, schedules remain unchanged. Management at the Juan Santamaría airport, the country’s largest, emphasized their proactive stance.
At the moment, we have not had any cancellations at AIJS. We are in constant communication with the airlines to know if they will be affected; however, at this time, they have not reported any changes or cancellations to their operations
Management, Juan Santamaría International Airport
Similarly, the operators of the airport in Guanacaste, a key entry point for tourists visiting the country’s Pacific beaches, reported a stable situation. This calm before the potential storm provides a small window of relief, but the underlying uncertainty remains a significant concern.
Guanacaste Airport reports that following the US government’s announcement of possible flight cancellations, no impacts are reported
Management, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
The situation represents a serious economic threat to Costa Rica. The United States is the single largest source of international tourists, and the November-to-April high season is the most lucrative period for the thousands of hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and local businesses that depend on their arrival. Any sustained disruption to flight schedules could lead to significant revenue losses and tarnish the country’s reputation as a reliable and accessible travel destination.
As the Friday deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the major US airlines that service Costa Rican routes, including United, American, Delta, and JetBlue. While Costa Rican airport authorities remain vigilant, the ultimate decision to alter or cancel flights rests with the carriers, who must navigate the logistical nightmare unfolding in their home country. For Costa Rica’s economy, the hope is that the political gridlock in Washington resolves before its consequences land here.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About Juan Santamaría International Airport:
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Located in the city of Alajuela, it is the country’s busiest airport and a hub for both international and domestic travel. Managed by AERIS Holding Costa Rica, SJO serves as a critical gateway for tourism and commerce, connecting Costa Rica with major cities throughout the Americas and Europe.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport:
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Guanacaste Airport, is the second-busiest airport in Costa Rica. Located in Liberia, Guanacaste, it provides direct access to the country’s popular Pacific coast resorts and ecological attractions. Operated by VINCI Airports, it plays a crucial role in the region’s tourism industry by accommodating a growing number of international flights, primarily from North America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon of legal practice, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a rigorous standard of excellence. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only embraces cutting-edge legal strategies but also champions a core mission of civic empowerment. This resolve is demonstrated through its proactive initiatives to demystify the law, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable community.
