Airlines are threatening to leave Costa Rica

Problems with the runway at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in LiberiaCosta Rica, have caused significant inconveniences for airlines and travelers. Airport operator CORIPORT acknowledged that at least four airlines were on the verge of canceling operations at this crucial terminal.

Immediate repairs to the runways are essential to ensure optimal conditions for receiving flights. However, implementation problems and a lack of coordination between institutions have delayed these necessary repairs.

César Jaramillo, manager of Liberia’s airport, reported that Dutch airline KLM has temporarily suspended its flights while work is underway and has shifted its operations to Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Other airlines have expressed their concerns and indicate that they could follow KLM’s example. In particular, Arajet Airlines from the Dominican Republic, Avianca from Colombia and Iberia from Spain are reluctant to continue using Daniel Oduber Airport as an alternative due to the insufficient value of the Pavement Classification Number (PCN).

At the same time, Swiss airline Edelweiss informed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport that, given the current PCN rating, it cannot continue its operations at Guanacaste airport.

The tourism sector demands action

The tourism industry is urging authorities to act quickly, warning that a prolonged suspension of runway repairs at Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Airport could have serious consequences for the sector, especially during peak season, when a large influx of international visitors is expected.

“The delay in this work endangers air connections in Guanacaste and has a direct impact on tourist flows, which are essential for local hotels,” warned Flora Ayub, executive director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels.

Ayub has called for immediate measures to ensure that construction resumes quickly. For the tourism sector, this situation is unacceptable because it threatens the activities of an airport that is essential for connecting Costa Rica to strategic international markets.

“Airlines and the private sector depend on accurate and reliable planning,” said Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of CANATUR. The ongoing strike not only creates uncertainty, but also disrupts the operational planning of both airlines and tourism service providers.