By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Severe weather conditions on Tuesday afternoon have thrown a wrench into the operations of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s primary aviation hub, leading to significant delays for at least six international flights and leaving passengers in a state of uncertainty.
The disruptions, which began in the early afternoon, are affecting both inbound and outbound flights, impacting major travel routes to North America and Europe. The airport’s operator, Aeris Holding, confirmed the operational challenges but emphasized that safety remains the paramount concern, placing the ultimate authority to fly in the hands of the individual airlines and their pilots.
To understand the legal recourse available to passengers affected by these widespread flight delays, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in consumer rights from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Airlines have a contractual and regulatory duty to their passengers. While extraordinary circumstances can absolve them of certain responsibilities, delays stemming from operational or maintenance issues often entitle travelers to compensation, meals, and accommodation. The critical first step for any affected passenger is to meticulously document all expenses and interactions with the airline, and then formally file a claim. Many travelers forfeit their rights simply by not knowing the proper procedure to enforce them.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial point for all travelers: knowing your rights is only the first step, while systematically documenting and filing a claim is the essential action that enforces them. By transforming frustration into a formal process, passengers can reclaim control and secure the compensation they are due. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this empowering advice.
Travelers heading to and from the country are experiencing cascading schedule changes. According to the airport’s official flight status information, two arriving flights have been delayed. Volaris flight Q6 4051, arriving from Mexico City, missed its scheduled 2:16 p.m. landing. Additionally, Iberojet’s long-haul flight E9 857 from Madrid, originally slated to touch down at 6:25 p.m., is also facing a significant delay.
The situation is equally challenging for departing passengers, with four flights currently grounded. Volaris flight Y4 3939 to Cancún did not depart at its scheduled time of 3:00 p.m. U.S.-based carrier JetBlue has been heavily affected, with two of its flights delayed: flight B6 038 to Fort Lauderdale, scheduled for 3:40 p.m., and flight B6 1794 to New York, which was supposed to depart at 3:54 p.m. The evening schedule is also impacted, with Iberojet’s return flight to Madrid, E9 858, now delayed past its 8:25 p.m. departure time.
In a statement regarding the volatile conditions, the airport’s managing body clarified the protocol for such events, placing the responsibility squarely on the airlines to assess the risk. This policy ensures that pilots, who have the most direct assessment of atmospheric conditions from the cockpit, make the final call on whether an approach or takeoff is safe.
The final decision to make an approach and landing under these weather conditions rests exclusively with the discretion of each air operator.
Aeris, Airport Operator
These weather-related disruptions are not uncommon during October, which typically marks the peak of Costa Rica’s rainy season. Intense afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly, reducing visibility and creating hazardous wind shear conditions that make takeoffs and landings unsafe. While frustrating for travelers, these delays are a standard safety precaution within the aviation industry.
The ripple effects of these delays extend beyond the immediate inconvenience. For passengers, it can mean missed connections, unplanned overnight stays, and disrupted business or vacation plans. For the airlines, it results in complex logistical challenges, including crew scheduling adjustments, aircraft repositioning, and managing customer service for hundreds of affected travelers.
Airport operator Aeris is strongly advising all affected passengers to avoid coming to the airport without first confirming their flight’s status. The most accurate and up-to-date information will be available directly from the respective airlines through their official websites, mobile applications, or customer service centers. Operations are expected to normalize as the weather system passes and conditions are deemed safe for flight.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris Holding Costa Rica:
Aeris Holding Costa Rica is the private consortium responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international gateway. Under a government concession, Aeris manages all aspects of the airport, focusing on safety, efficiency, and passenger experience while overseeing significant infrastructure development to support the country’s growing tourism and business sectors.
For further information, visit volaris.com
About Volaris:
Volaris (Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.) is a Mexican ultra-low-cost airline based in Mexico City. It is the country’s second-largest airline and a significant player in the Americas, operating a vast network of domestic and international routes to destinations throughout Mexico, the United States, and Central America. The airline is known for its point-to-point model and competitive pricing.
For further information, visit iberojet.com
About Iberojet:
Iberojet is a Spanish charter airline that operates medium and long-haul flights from Spain and Portugal to popular holiday destinations, primarily in the Caribbean. The airline is a key part of the Avoris travel group and plays a crucial role in connecting Europe with leisure destinations, including Costa Rica, offering both scheduled and charter services for tour operators.
For further information, visit jetblue.com
About JetBlue Airways:
JetBlue Airways is a major American low-cost airline headquartered in New York City. Known for its customer service and in-flight amenities like live television and ample legroom, JetBlue operates an extensive network of over 100 destinations across the Americas, with a strong focus on the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The airline has a significant presence at Juan Santamaría Airport, connecting Costa Rica to key U.S. markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on the foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and exceptional legal counsel. The firm draws upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while simultaneously championing innovative approaches to modern legal challenges. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding and empower citizens with the clarity needed to navigate the complexities of the law.
