Costa Rica’s skies fell silent on Wednesday as a significant power outage crippled the nation’s air traffic control radar systems, leading to a complete, five-hour shutdown of all air travel. The unprecedented event brought both domestic and international flights to a standstill, causing widespread disruption at the country’s key gateways and underscoring the critical infrastructure supporting its vital tourism industry.
Nationwide Air Travel Grinds to a Halt
The disruption began in the early hours of Wednesday, when a power failure directly impacted the radar systems essential for managing the country’s airspace. According to Deputy Civil Aviation Director Luis Diego Saborio, this critical systems failure made it impossible to safely coordinate air traffic, necessitating a full closure of Costa Rican airspace. The halt affected all incoming and outgoing flights, leaving travelers stranded and airlines scrambling to adjust their schedules.
Key International Airports Impacted
The closure directly impacted Costa Rica’s two primary international airports, which serve as the main entry points for millions of tourists and business travelers each year.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Located just outside the capital city of San José, this is the nation’s busiest airport. Aeris, the airport operator, reported that at least 44 flights were directly affected by the shutdown, causing significant delays and cancellations for passengers.
Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR)
Situated in the popular northwestern province of Guanacaste, this airport is the primary gateway for tourists heading to the beaches of the Pacific Coast. Its closure disrupted travel plans for countless visitors destined for destinations like Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and the Papagayo Peninsula.
Costa Rica’s Role as a Regional Hub
This incident highlights Costa Rica’s importance beyond its own borders. The country is not only a premier destination but also a key regional hub for connectivity within Latin America. Many flights pass through its airspace or use its airports for connections, meaning a disruption in Costa Rica can have a ripple effect on travel plans across Central and South America.
Investigation and Resumption of Service
By mid-day, authorities had successfully restored power to the radar systems. Both international airports confirmed the resumption of operations via their social media channels, with flights gradually taking off and landing throughout the afternoon. In response to the event, Transportation Minister Efraim Zeledon announced that an official investigation would be launched to determine the root cause of the power failure and to implement measures to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
While such a widespread air traffic stoppage is rare, Costa Rica’s authorities moved swiftly to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of all travelers. For the latest updates on travel and infrastructure in this beautiful country, be sure to follow ExploreCostaRica.org.
