Costa Rica Resumes Flights After Power Outage Halts Air Traffic in America: Know the Latest Update Here

Published on September 25, 2025

Costa Rica airspace was reopened on Wednesday, 2025, following a significant power outage that disrupted flight operations across the country. The outage, which affected radar systems at key airports, grounded flights for several hours, stranding passengers and causing widespread delays.

Incident Overview: Power Failure Halts Air Traffic

The power failure, which struck early in the morning around 6:00 a.m. local time, disabled radar systems at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste. With air traffic control systems offline, the country’s airspace was forced to close, halting both domestic and international flights.

Operations at both international airports were suspended, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded. At Juan Santamaría, approximately 44 flights were directly affected by the disruption, while LIR also saw a significant number of flights delayed or canceled. The airspace remained closed for nearly five hours, until the radar systems were restored just before 11:00 a.m., allowing operations to resume and flights to take off again.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

The power outage left numerous passengers stranded at airports, unsure of when they could depart or if their flights would be rescheduled. Airlines quickly advised travelers to check with their carriers for updates and to confirm new flight times. Some passengers opted for alternative travel routes, with flights being rerouted to nearby countries to alleviate the congestion.

Though the full number of affected flights remains unclear, the incident revealed the vulnerability of aviation infrastructure to unexpected technical failures. Airlines, passengers, and government officials are working to assess the full scope of the disruption and ensure that services return to normal.

Government Response and Investigation

In light of the incident, Efraín Zeledón, the Transportation Minister, confirmed that a thorough investigation would be launched to determine the exact cause of the power failure and identify ways to prevent future occurrences. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) worked swiftly to restore the radar systems, with technicians racing against the clock to bring the systems back online and ensure flight operations could resume.

Zeledón emphasized that the government would prioritize improving infrastructure to avoid similar disruptions and bolster the resilience of Costa Rica’s aviation sector. The government also assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent any future recurrence, ensuring that both the tourism industry and local residents can depend on a stable and efficient air travel network.

Broader Implications: The Impact on Costa Rica’s Tourism and Regional Connectivity

Costa Rica, a tourism-dependent country, has long served as a regional hub for flights connecting other parts of Latin America and beyond. The disruption in flight operations highlighted how critical air travel is to the country’s economic stability, especially given its reliance on tourism for revenue generation.

As a key international gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport (located just outside the capital San José) and Daniel Oduber Quirós in Guanacaste are vital to the country’s ability to connect with international travelers. Costa Rica’s tourism sector, which attracts millions of visitors each year, depends on the smooth functioning of these airports to facilitate seamless travel across the region.

Given the incident’s impact, Costa Rica’s aviation authorities are expected to prioritize the implementation of measures to safeguard against technical failures that could undermine the country’s competitive edge as a regional hub.

Efforts to Ensure Future Air Travel Stability

Following the power failure, officials have promised a swift overhaul of air traffic management infrastructure, including investments in more resilient radar and communications systems. The government, in collaboration with industry experts, is examining the potential for redundant systems to be installed to prevent similar incidents. Costa Rica aims to maintain its status as a leading travel destination in Central America by securing its air travel operations.

Additionally, efforts are underway to improve training for air traffic controllers, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle any operational challenges that may arise.

Looking Ahead: Costa Rica’s Aviation Resilience

As Costa Rica continues to recover from this recent setback, there is a broader focus on the sustainability of the country’s aviation sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) is actively working on strategies to address and enhance the resilience of its air travel infrastructure. With tourism being a major driver of the country’s economy, ensuring reliable and efficient flight operations is critical to the growth of the sector.

Costa Rica’s commitment to investing in its aviation infrastructure shows its determination to uphold its position as a regional tourism hub. With continued efforts to improve air traffic control systems and better prepare for unforeseen technical issues, the country is set to enhance its appeal to travelers, ensuring they experience smooth and hassle-free journeys to one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

[Source: Reuters]