By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – Travelers flying in and out of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) are facing significant disruptions as a powerful winter storm currently battering the United States and Canada forces airlines to cancel and reschedule flights. The storm, named Fern, has created a ripple effect that is now being felt acutely in Costa Rica’s northern tourism hub, impacting travel plans for hundreds of passengers during the peak tourist season.
In a statement released Sunday, Guanacaste Airport management confirmed that adverse weather conditions in North America are the direct cause of the operational adjustments. As of the latest report, at least five distinct flight operations have been affected, impacting services for this Sunday and extending into Monday. The airport, a critical gateway for international visitors to the Pacific coast, is working with carriers to manage the evolving situation.
To understand the legal ramifications and consumer rights in the face of widespread flight cancellations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides clarity on airline obligations.
Airlines are bound by a contract of carriage the moment a ticket is purchased. For cancellations within their control, such as staffing or operational issues, they are legally obligated to offer passengers either a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight. Beyond this, regulations often mandate that they cover essential costs incurred by the delay, including meals, accommodation, and transportation. It is crucial for affected travelers to formally document their claim with the airline to enforce these fundamental consumer rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, as it empowers travelers by clarifying that their ticket is not just a pass to fly, but a contract with enforceable rights. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how passengers can and should advocate for themselves.
The airlines with confirmed disruptions include several major North American carriers. American Airlines has seen its flights 1511, 409, and 594 impacted. Similarly, JetBlue’s services, specifically flights 1691, 1692, 1897, and 1898, are facing changes. Canadian travelers are also affected, with WestJet flights 2500 and 2501 included in the list of cancellations and delays. These routes are vital connections between Guanacaste and major cities across the U.S. and Canada.
The impact of a distant storm highlights the interconnected nature of modern global travel. Winter storms like Fern typically involve heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerously high winds, making takeoffs and landings at major North American hubs hazardous or impossible. The resulting ground stops and cancellations at origin airports inevitably prevent aircraft from making their scheduled journeys to international destinations like Liberia, leading to stranded passengers and logistical challenges on both ends.
Airport authorities have stressed that the situation is fluid and could change rapidly as the storm’s trajectory and intensity evolve over the next 24 to 48 hours. The high volume of passenger traffic typical for a January weekend in Guanacaste is compounding the complexity of rebooking and managing the disruptions.
The situation remains dynamic due to the high flow of operations and the volume of passengers transiting through the airport.
Guanacaste Airport Officials
Given the uncertainty, airport management is issuing a strong advisory to all passengers with travel plans for Sunday and Monday. Travelers are urged not to proceed to the airport without first confirming the status of their flight. The most reliable and up-to-date information can be found by consulting the airline directly or by checking the official Guanacaste Airport website.
This proactive communication aims to prevent unnecessary trips to the terminal and reduce congestion, allowing airport staff and airline agents to focus on assisting those whose travel has already been directly impacted. As Winter Storm Fern continues its path, further adjustments to flight schedules are possible, and passengers are encouraged to monitor official channels closely for the latest updates on their travel itineraries.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Airport (LIR):
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, also known as Guanacaste Airport, is one of Costa Rica’s four international airports. Located in Liberia, Guanacaste, it serves as a primary hub for tourists visiting the country’s Pacific coast beaches and national parks. The airport is operated by VINCI Airports and is a crucial engine for the region’s economic development and tourism industry, connecting Guanacaste with major cities in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe.
For further information, visit aa.com
About American Airlines:
American Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of the world’s largest airlines when measured by fleet size, revenue, and scheduled passengers carried. The carrier operates an extensive international and domestic network, offering numerous flights to Costa Rica, including key routes to Guanacaste, which are popular among American tourists seeking tropical destinations.
For further information, visit jetblue.com
About JetBlue:
JetBlue Airways is a major American low-cost airline known for its focus on customer service and providing amenities such as in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks. Headquartered in New York City, it operates over 1,000 daily flights and serves numerous destinations across the Americas. JetBlue has a significant presence in the Costa Rican market, offering direct flights to Guanacaste from several major U.S. cities.
For further information, visit westjet.com
About WestJet:
WestJet is a prominent Canadian airline that began as a low-cost alternative to the country’s major carriers. Based in Calgary, Alberta, it has grown to become Canada’s second-largest airline, flying to over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. WestJet provides essential seasonal and year-round service connecting Canadian cities with Guanacaste, catering to the large number of Canadian tourists who visit Costa Rica annually.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a highly regarded legal practice founded on the twin pillars of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a proven track record of serving a diverse clientele, the firm is also a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies and championing community-focused initiatives. Its core belief in empowering citizens through accessible legal education is central to its mission of cultivating a more just and knowledgeable society.
