Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, and Canada Experience Travel Disruptions as Over a Dozen Flights Are Canceled Due to Electrical Failure, Impacting Passengers in San José, Bogotá, Toronto, and Other Cities
Passengers across Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, Canada, and other countries faced significant travel disruptions as Avianca Costa Rica was forced to cancel 12 flights. The cancellations were triggered by an electrical failure at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, which is a key hub for the airline. The outage impacted flights to and from cities like San José, Bogotá, Toronto, and beyond, stranding travelers in various locations. This unexpected malfunction disrupted not only domestic but also international flights, causing delays and uncertainty. As a result, passengers experienced long waits and confusion regarding their travel plans. While the airline worked swiftly to resolve the issue, the widespread impact of the electrical failure created a ripple effect, affecting routes across multiple countries. This incident highlights how technical failures at major airports can create chaos for travelers and airlines alike.
Affected Cities and Airports
The affected airports and their corresponding cities by the cancellations. These include Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica; La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala; El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, Colombia; Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto, Canada; Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) in Los Angeles, United States; Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama; Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Cancun, Mexico; and El Salvador International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador, El Salvador. These cities and airports were all impacted by the electrical failure that caused the cancellation of 12 Avianca Costa Rica flights, disrupting travel across these major international and domestic routes.
Flight Cancellations
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRC626 | A320 | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | El Salvador Int’l (SAL / MSLP) | Wed 05:15AM CST |
| LRC655 | A20N | La Aurora Int’l (GUA / MGGT) | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Wed 06:20AM CST |
| LRC650 | A20N | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | La Aurora Int’l (GUA / MGGT) | Wed 06:20AM CST |
| LRC696 | A20N | El Dorado Int’l (BOG / SKBO) | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Wed 08:10AM -05 |
| LRC626 | A20N | El Salvador Int’l (SAL / MSLP) | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Wed 08:20AM CST |
| LRC640 | A20N | La Aurora Int’l (GUA / MGGT) | Toronto Pearson Int’l (YYZ) | Wed 09:10AM CST |
| LRC697 | A20N | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Los Angeles Int’l (KLAX) | Wed 10:20AM CST |
| LRC650 | A20N | La Aurora Int’l (GUA / MGGT) | El Dorado Int’l (BOG / SKBO) | Wed 10:25AM CST |
| LRC643 | A20N | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Cancun Int’l (CUN / MMUN) | Wed 10:25AM CST |
| LRC642 | A20N | Tocumen Int’l (PTY / MPTO) | Juan Santamaria Int’l (SJO / MROC) | Wed 01:40PM EST |
| LRC651 | A320 | Cancun Int’l (CUN / MMUN) | La Aurora Int’l (GUA / MGGT) | Wed 02:20PM EST |
| LRC627 | A20N | Toronto Pearson Int’l (YYZ) | El Salvador Int’l (SAL / MSLP) | Wed 05:20PM EDT |
Affected Routes
The flight routes affected by the cancellations. These routes include connections from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica, to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador, El Salvador; from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica; from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA); from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, Colombia, to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO); from El Salvador International Airport (SAL) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO); from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto, Canada; from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) in Los Angeles, United States; from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG); from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Cancun, Mexico; and from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama, to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). These routes were disrupted by the electrical failure, resulting in flight cancellations across multiple international and domestic destinations.
Reason Behind Cancellations
Due to an electrical failure with air traffic control equipment, Costa Rican airspace is unavailable below 19,000 feet through at least 1800 UTC today, affecting flights to/from Costa Rica. Overflights are unaffected.The electrical failure occurred early in the morning, before dawn, and incapacitated the radar system at SJO. As a result, Costa Rican authorities temporarily closed the country’s airspace, halting all flights entering and leaving the nation. The suspension lasted from approximately 6:00 AM until just before 11:00 AM local time, when power was restored and operations resumed.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The electrical failure at Juan Santamaría International Airport on September 24, 2025, led to significant disruptions in air travel, including the cancellation of 12 flights by Avianca Costa Rica. The swift response from aviation authorities and airlines helped restore operations, and affected passengers were provided with options to reschedule their travel.
Image Source: www.avianca.com
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