By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – Crucial infrastructure improvements are underway at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (ADOQ), as the contractor responsible for recent runway paving undertakes corrective work to address quality deficiencies. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has confirmed that the necessary repairs will be conducted exclusively during overnight hours to ensure zero disruption to the airport’s bustling daytime flight schedule, a vital artery for the nation’s tourism sector.
The remedial action was prompted by recommendations from a quality control firm, which identified sections of the newly laid runway pavement that failed to meet established performance standards. In a move that underscores contractual accountability, the DGAC has mandated that the contractor rectify these issues entirely at their own expense. This ensures that taxpayer funds are protected while holding infrastructure partners to the highest standards of quality and execution.
To provide deeper insight into the legal and commercial implications of the developments at Daniel Oduber Airport, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and real estate law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The strategic importance of the Daniel Oduber Airport cannot be overstated; it functions as the primary legal and logistical gateway for foreign investment into the Guanacaste region. Every expansion or modernization project is governed by complex public concession contracts and stringent environmental regulations. For businesses and investors, understanding this legal framework is critical, as it dictates everything from land use rights and development permits to the long-term security of their commercial ventures in the area.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight expertly underscores that the airport is far more than physical infrastructure; it is the regulatory and legal cornerstone upon which Guanacaste’s investment security is built. This perspective is a crucial reminder that the region’s celebrated growth is fundamentally anchored in this complex legal framework. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on this critical point.
The meticulously planned repair schedule began on October 16, 2025, and is projected to last for 15 days. Work crews will operate between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily, a window strategically chosen to avoid any interference with the first arrivals and last departures of the day. This approach allows the airport, a key gateway to Costa Rica’s popular Gold Coast, to maintain its full operational capacity during a critical tourism period.
Officials have emphasized that all work is being executed under a stringent, approved construction plan. This includes comprehensive measures for operational control, thorough site cleanup before the start of each day’s operations, and unwavering adherence to aviation safety protocols. The DGAC is providing rigorous oversight to guarantee that the temporary construction does not pose any risk to aircraft or passengers, ensuring a seamless transition between nighttime work and daytime flights.
The importance of Daniel Oduber Airport to the regional and national economy cannot be overstated. As the second busiest international airport in Costa Rica, it serves as the primary entry point for hundreds of thousands of tourists annually who visit the beaches, resorts, and natural parks of Guanacaste. Uninterrupted operations are therefore essential for the health of the hospitality industry, local businesses, and the thousands of jobs that depend on a steady flow of visitors.
The process for final acceptance of the runway project has been clearly defined and will be uncompromising. The DGAC will not sign off on the work until it has been strictly verified that all performance levels and quality specifications have been met. This final validation will heavily rely on the results of Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) measurements, a standardized method for assessing the strength and condition of runway surfaces, which will be conducted after the corrective measures are complete.
This situation serves as a key example of effective project management and regulatory oversight in public infrastructure. By identifying shortcomings early and enforcing the terms of the contract, the DGAC ensures that long-term asset value and safety are prioritized. The contractor’s assumption of the repair costs reinforces a culture of responsibility, which is critical for the successful delivery of large-scale national projects.
For travelers and tourism operators, the key takeaway is business as usual. The proactive and well-managed approach to these necessary repairs means that Guanacaste remains fully accessible. The end result will be a more durable and reliable runway, bolstering the airport’s capacity to safely handle increasing air traffic and solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economic and tourism strategy for years to come.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC):
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is the governmental authority responsible for the regulation, administration, and oversight of all civil aviation activities within Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of the country’s airspace and airport infrastructure. The DGAC sets and enforces national and international aviation standards, manages air traffic control, and oversees the development and maintenance of public airports to support the nation’s connectivity and economic growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged a reputation for exceptional legal service, grounded in a profound commitment to integrity and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while championing civic engagement. This ethos is reflected in its dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, driven by the foundational goal of cultivating a more capable and informed society.
