International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned about the deterioration of the runway at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, urging the Costa Rican government «to promptly reactivate the rehabilitation project previously underway, as well as a short-, medium-, and long-term maintenance plan to ensure its proper functionality.»
Given that Liberia Airport is a key entry point for international travelers visiting Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, operational disruptions could negatively impact the local economy.
IATA points out that the runway’s deterioration has worsened over the past year, an issue the industry has repeatedly highlighted, partly due to heavy rains and delays in the previously planned rehabilitation work. The suspension of the works has not only complicated airline planning but also caused disruptions during the high season, when thousands of tourists, mainly from the United States and Canada, visit the region.
The association, representing over 300 airlines worldwide, also mentioned issues stemming from the sudden closure of the airport and its subsequent reopening. According to the organization, this decision led to flight diversions and cancellations, affecting scheduled itineraries and inconveniencing passengers.
«IATA reiterates its willingness to collaborate and establish an open communication channel with authorities to ensure that operations at the airport can be conducted safely, efficiently, and smoothly,» it concluded.
The network of international flights to Guanacaste includes the following routes:
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York/JFK, Miami, and Chicago O’Hare
- Air Canada: Montreal and Toronto
- Alaska Airlines: Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco
- JetBlue: Boston and New York/JFK
- TUI: London/Gatwick
- Southwest Airlines: Baltimore, Denver, and Houston/Hobby
- WestJet: Calgary and Toronto
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Boston, and Minneapolis
- Sun Country Airlines: Minneapolis
- Air Transat: Montreal and Toronto
- United Airlines: Denver, Newark, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, and San Francisco
- Sunwing: Montreal and Toronto
- Edelweiss Air: Zurich
In 2023, the Guanacaste Airport, managed under concession by VINCI Airports, handled 1.65 million passengers and recorded 18,386 aircraft movements.
