A runway closed at Liberia International Airport in Costa Rica November 2024 due to significant precipitation from Tropical Storm Sara has resulted in the temporary suspension of the operations of flights at the airport. If Liberia is in your travel plans over at least the next week or so, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the closed runway.
Runway Closed at Liberia International Airport in Costa Rica: November 2024 Travel Alert
The Costa Rican Civil Aviation Directorate (DGAC) announced the suspension of operations at Liberia International Airport on Friday, November 15. Airport authorities reported that heavy rainfall has deteriorated the current runway conditions and weather conditions may delay required repairs. Authorities have not announced the expected duration of this closure. No other international airports in Costa Rica are affected at this time.
Airport authorities ask travelers to do the following:
- Avoid travel to Liberia International Airport until further notice.
- Coordinate with your respective airlines for nearest departure.
Travelers should continue to monitor local media and news reports for updated information and follow all local authority directives.
A Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica was issued back on Monday, July 17, 2023 by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which is a division of the Department of State of the United States — to exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to or from Liberia over at least the next week or so, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to the closure of the runway which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating conditions and traffic problems.
Here are six airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this runway closure:
- Delta Air Lines has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Monday, November 18, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024; and Tuesday, November 26, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Monday, November 18, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024; and Sunday, November 24, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Friday, November 15, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024; and Thursday, December 5, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Monday, November 18, 2024 through Wednesday, November 20, 2024; and Saturday, November 23, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Wednesday, November 20, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024.
- WestJet Airways has issued a travel alert for Liberia for Monday, November 18, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
