Guanacaste Airport reopened (again) today after emergency runway repairs, with tourism sector reporting major losses and calling for government accountability over infrastructure concerns.
In the latest on this ongoing saga, Costa Rica’s Guanacaste International Airport resumed operation this morning at 9:00 AM, a day earlier than planned, following intense maintenance work on its deteriorating runway. The reopening ends – for now, hopefully – almost a week of disruptions that highlighted long-standing infrastructure concerns at one of Central America’s key tourist gateways.
Tourism Sector Backlash
Nearly 200 flight cancellations disrupted travel plans for more than 24,000 tourists since last Friday, with operations halted right at the start of high season. According to La Republica, tourism officials report significant financial impacts, with individual properties facing losses of up to $650,000 from group cancellations.
Many hotels have seen entire groups cancel their stays due to inability to access the region, causing ripple effects throughout Guanacaste’s tourism economy. Hospitality industry representatives warn these disruptions could have lasting consequences for the region’s reputation.
“The sudden closure without prior notice has severely impacted not just tourism but entire communities that depend on this activity,” said Arenal Chamber of Tourism President Tadeo Morales. He urged government authorities to implement concrete measures to manage the crisis and provide the certainty the tourism sector requires.
Long-Standing Infrastructure Concerns
Tourism officials also revealed that concerns about the runway’s condition had been raised repeatedly over the past two years. A 2021 report from the University of Costa Rica had warned the runway’s maximum useful life was five years.
“The government’s lack of clarity about the true extent of Liberia airport’s runway problems has been exposed,” said Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Tourism Chamber. “This situation could seriously damage the country’s reputation, especially among tourists and airlines.“
Chaotic Week of Operations
The airport’s current troubles began last Friday with initial closures blamed on heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Sara, leading to a brief reopening Sunday that lasted only hours before authorities ordered an extended shutdown. The series of starts and stops created significant logistical challenges for airlines and travelers alike.
“We’ve been very insistent on this issue with all relevant authorities for over a year,” said Rafael Sánchez, President of the Airline Association. “Although we warned that runway conditions were not optimal for operations, we now see accelerated deterioration due to recent weather conditions.“
As operations resume, the airport has instructed passengers to coordinate directly with airlines for updated flight information, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring a safe and gradual return to normal operations.
