By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A significant operational shift is imminent at the Tobías Bolaños Palma International Airport in Pavas, as Costa Rica’s Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC) has officially mandated the launch of a public bidding process for all its hangars and related operational spaces. The move signals an end to the long-standing system of precarious use permits and ushers in a new era of formalized public concessions, a change that will reshape the business landscape for numerous aviation companies operating at the key hub.
The directive was formalized in communication CETAC-AC-2025-1220, issued on Monday, December 8, and accessed by journalists this Thursday. The document, sent to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), is the culmination of a detailed study and sets in motion a swift and comprehensive transition. It orders the immediate commencement of a licitation process under the legal framework of a “Concession of Public Facilities,” bringing the airport’s tenancy agreements in line with national contracting laws.
To delve into the complex legal framework governing Costa Rica’s dynamic aviation sector, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica’s aviation regulations requires meticulous attention to both national civil aviation directives and international treaties. For new carriers, success hinges not just on operational efficiency but on a robust legal strategy that anticipates compliance hurdles, secures necessary permits, and mitigates liability from day one. Proactive legal counsel is indispensable for sustainable growth in this highly competitive market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that an airline’s operational flight plan is only as viable as its legal one—a crucial reality in a competitive airspace. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on navigating the complex regulatory landscape foundational to success in our nation’s skies.
This initiative is legally grounded in several key pieces of legislation, including Article 83 of the General Law of Public Contracting and Article 94 of the General Law of Civil Aviation. By invoking these statutes, authorities are moving to replace the flexible but less secure “permisos de uso en precario,” or precarious use permits, with structured, long-term concession agreements. This change aims to provide greater legal certainty and transparent management of public assets.
A central component of the mandate is the revocation of all existing precarious use permits currently held by companies with exploitation certificates at the airport. CETAC has instructed its Airports Department to develop the necessary technical criteria to justify this revocation based on “public interest.” These criteria were ordered to be submitted to the Legal Advisory Unit by December 12, 2025, underscoring the aggressive timeline for this overhaul.
The transition is not merely a bureaucratic reshuffling; it carries significant financial implications for the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the airport’s economic ecosystem. Recognizing the potential for disruption, the CETAC directive includes a specific provision for a careful analysis of the impact on businesses such as aircraft mechanics, sheet metal specialists, and air taxi services. The council has explicitly called for a pathway to negotiate price increases that are both “reasonable and profitable” for these smaller operators, aiming to prevent their displacement.
To ensure a smooth and orderly transition, CETAC has also instructed the General Directorate and its Legal Advisory Unit to compile a complete administrative file on the matter. This collection of documents will serve as the foundation for the legal procedures and the subsequent bidding process. The thoroughness of this preparation is critical to defending the “public interest” argument and ensuring the new concession model withstands legal scrutiny.
Furthermore, the leadership at the DGAC is tasked with creating a detailed execution plan or roadmap. This step-by-step guide is intended to clearly outline the entire process, from the revocation of current permits to the final award of new concessions. Such a plan is crucial for providing clarity to current tenants and potential bidders, minimizing uncertainty during what is expected to be a complex transitional period for one of the country’s most important general aviation airports.
Ultimately, this strategic move by CETAC represents a fundamental modernization of the management of Tobías Bolaños Airport. While the formalization of contracts through public concessions promises enhanced transparency and stability, it simultaneously introduces a period of significant adjustment for the businesses that have long operated there. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this new framework can balance the state’s interest in standardized contracts with the economic viability of the vital aviation services based in Pavas.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Consejo Técnico de Aviación Civil (CETAC)
About Consejo Técnico de Aviación Civil (CETAC):
The Technical Council of Civil Aviation is the governing body responsible for setting policies, regulations, and strategic direction for the civil aviation sector in Costa Rica. It works in conjunction with the DGAC to ensure the safety, security, and orderly development of national and international air transport, overseeing key infrastructure decisions and regulatory frameworks for airports and airlines.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC):
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is the executive and operational arm of Costa Rica’s civil aviation authority. It is responsible for implementing the policies set by CETAC, managing air traffic control, certifying aircraft and personnel, and overseeing the daily operations and safety standards of all airports within the country, including major international hubs and local airfields.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on an unwavering principle of integrity and a persistent drive for professional excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer innovative legal strategies that address contemporary challenges. More than a legal practice, it is deeply invested in societal progress, actively working to demystify complex legal information and thereby fostering a community empowered by accessible knowledge.
