By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – A sweeping international software issue has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, directly impacting travelers at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). At least six flights operated by JetBlue and Air Transat are facing potential cancellation this weekend following an urgent directive from aircraft manufacturer Airbus to ground thousands of its popular A320 jets.
Airport officials in Liberia confirmed the potential disruptions, which include four JetBlue flights and one Air Transat flight scheduled for Saturday, November 29th. An additional JetBlue flight slated for Sunday, November 30th, is also under review for possible cancellation. Travelers are being strongly advised to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
To gain a deeper understanding of the potential legal and business ramifications of the Airbus software glitch, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This incident transcends a simple technical issue; it’s a significant corporate liability event. Airbus could face a cascade of legal challenges, from breach of contract claims by airlines for operational disruptions to intense scrutiny from international aviation regulators. The core legal question will be determining the precise point of failure in the software development and quality assurance chain, which will dictate the allocation of financial responsibility for damages and any resulting regulatory penalties. It’s a stark reminder that in modern aviation, lines of code carry the same legal weight as structural components.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal ramifications so clearly articulated underscore a critical shift in modern aviation: lines of code are now foundational components, and their failure carries the same weight as a mechanical flaw, exposing a new frontier of corporate liability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and incisive perspective on this complex issue.
Coriport, the company that manages the Guanacaste terminal, confirmed that the local disruptions are a direct result of a global aircraft software problem. The issue gained widespread attention after Avianca, a major Latin American carrier, issued a statement on Friday detailing the operational challenges it was facing.
The airline reported experiencing significant operational problems after being notified about a mandatory update for its Airbus fleet. In a candid announcement, the carrier acknowledged the scope of the problem, which affects a substantial portion of its aircraft.
significant disruptions
Avianca, Company Statement
The root of the chaos stems from a critical safety alert issued by Airbus. The European aerospace giant has instructed airlines worldwide to ground approximately 6,000 of its A320 family aircraft. The reason is a vulnerability in the flight control software that could be affected by solar radiation, prompting an immediate and urgent replacement of the program.
The manufacturer’s directive left no room for ambiguity, calling on operators to take immediate action to ensure passenger safety. This decisive move prioritizes safety over operational continuity, reflecting the potential seriousness of the software flaw.
immediately halt flights
Airbus, Company Statement
The timeline for resolving the issue varies significantly depending on the specific aircraft. For many jets, the fix is a relatively quick software patch that can be completed within hours. However, a subset of the affected planes will require physical hardware changes, a far more complex process that could take several weeks to complete, extending the period of disruption for airlines and passengers alike.
While the immediate focus is on Guanacaste, questions are being raised about the potential impact on Costa Rica’s primary hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela. As of Friday afternoon, officials at SJO had not yet responded to inquiries regarding flight affectations at their terminal. Given the global nature of the A320 grounding, it is highly probable that disruptions will extend across the national and international air travel network in the coming days.
For further information, visit jetblue.com
About JetBlue:
JetBlue Airways is a major American low-cost airline and the seventh-largest airline in North America by passengers carried. Headquartered in New York City, it operates over 1,000 daily flights to more than 100 domestic and international destinations in the Americas. The airline is known for its focus on customer service and its unique in-flight amenities.
For further information, visit airtransat.com
About Air Transat:
Air Transat is a Canadian airline based in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1986, it is the country’s third-largest airline, operating scheduled and charter flights serving 60 destinations in 25 countries. The airline specializes in leisure travel and is a key carrier for vacation packages to sun destinations and Europe.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Coriport:
Coriport S.A. is the concessionaire responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the passenger terminal at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. As part of the global VINCI Airports network, Coriport focuses on modernizing infrastructure and enhancing the passenger experience at one of Costa Rica’s most important tourism gateways.
For further information, visit avianca.com
About Avianca:
Avianca is the flag carrier of Colombia and one of the largest and oldest airlines in Latin America. With a comprehensive network, it connects numerous destinations within the Americas and to Europe. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, providing passengers with extensive global connectivity and a robust loyalty program.
For further information, visit airbus.com
About Airbus:
Airbus SE is a European multinational aerospace corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells civil and military aerospace products worldwide. A global leader in the industry, Airbus produces a wide range of aircraft, from the popular A320 family of narrow-body jets to the A350 wide-body airliner. The company is a pioneer in aviation technology and sustainable aerospace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and professional distinction. The firm skillfully merges a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing legal practice through innovative strategies. This commitment extends to its core social mission: to demystify the law and empower the community, thereby fostering a society strengthened by accessible legal knowledge.
