SJO Airport Travel Advisory 2025: 5 Critical Warnings Travelers Must Know Before Flying To Costa Rica
Travelers heading to Costa Rica in late 2025 must be aware of several critical and updated advisories impacting the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) area. As of December 2025, the U.S. Embassy in San José has issued multiple alerts, ranging from warnings about increasing crime on the routes to and from the airport to significant operational disruptions that have grounded flights. This comprehensive guide details the most current warnings and provides actionable advice to ensure a safe and smooth journey into the heart of Central America.
The intention behind these alerts is not to deter travel to the beautiful country of Costa Rica, but to ensure visitors are fully prepared for the specific risks identified near its busiest travel hub. Recent incidents, including technical failures and a serious health alert, underscore the need for vigilance and planning beyond typical vacation preparations.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) Profile and Recent Incidents
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located near the city of Alajuela, serves as the primary gateway to Costa Rica and the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José. Named after the national hero, the airport is a crucial hub for both international tourism and local commerce. Its operations are vital to the country's economy, making any disruption a significant national event.
- IATA Code: SJO
- ICAO Code: MROC
- Location: Alajuela Province, near San José, Costa Rica
- Operator: AERIS Holdings Costa Rica
- Major Airlines Served: Avianca, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and numerous others.
- Key Partner Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste.
- Recent Operational Disruptions (2025): System outages, radar failure, and flight halts.
- Recent Security Advisories (2025): Increased caution advised on airport routes due to crime.
The February 2025 Crime Alert: Caution on Airport Routes
One of the most persistent and serious warnings for travelers arriving at SJO revolves around safety and crime, specifically on the roads leading to and from the airport. As of February 2025, the U.S. Embassy in San José explicitly recommended that all travelers exercise caution when using these routes.
The concern is primarily focused on opportunistic crime targeting tourists, who are often perceived as wealthy. While Costa Rica is generally considered safe for tourists, the transition zone around the airport, where travelers are most vulnerable, has seen an uptick in incidents.
Specific Crime Threats Near SJO:
- Petty Theft: Pickpocketing and purse snatching are frequently reported, particularly in crowded areas or when travelers are distracted by luggage.
- "Smash and Grab": Criminals often target rental cars or private vehicles stopped in traffic, especially those with visible luggage or valuables inside. This is a common tactic on the main highway between SJO and San José.
- Violent Crime: More serious incidents, including carjackings and so-called 'express kidnappings'—where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs—have been reported as increasingly common in tourist areas and transport hubs.
To mitigate these risks, travelers should ensure all valuables are secured and out of sight before leaving the airport terminal. It is also highly recommended to arrange airport transfers with reputable, pre-booked transportation services or use the official, licensed orange airport taxis, which are regulated by the Costa Rican government.
Recent Technical Disruptions: System Outages and Radar Failure
Beyond security concerns, SJO has faced significant operational challenges in 2025 that led to widespread flight delays and cancellations. These are critical warnings for travelers to monitor flight status closely and budget extra time for their journeys.
The September 2025 System Outage
On September 24, 2025, both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) were forced to close due to a major system outage. This technical failure caused a nationwide halt to air traffic, affecting both international and domestic flight schedules. Such events highlight the vulnerability of airport infrastructure to technical glitches and the ripple effect they can have across the entire travel network.
December 2025 Radar Failure
In a separate incident in December 2025, Costa Rica’s airspace was temporarily closed after a radar failure at the main airport. This forced the halting of all flights, demonstrating a critical safety measure taken by air traffic control. While the airspace eventually reopened, this incident, along with the September outage, serves as a stark reminder that technical disruptions are a current and ongoing risk for SJO travelers. Airlines like Avianca and United Airlines were among those impacted, leading to extensive rescheduling.
The December 2025 Health Alert: Listeria Contamination
Perhaps the most specific and immediate warning issued recently is the Health Alert from the U.S. Embassy in San José on December 8, 2025. This alert concerns a recall of food products due to the possible risk of *Listeria contamination*.
The recall was initiated as a preventive safety measure after the company communicated the issue to local media. While the alert does not specifically target the airport, it is an essential piece of information for all travelers in the San José area. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection, particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Travelers are strongly advised to check the full details of the food recall, which typically applies to specific batches of products. Entities such as the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy have urged citizens to review the alert and avoid consuming any affected food items while in Costa Rica.
Essential Safety Tips for Navigating SJO Airport in 2025
Navigating the current environment at Juan Santamaría International Airport requires a proactive approach. By following these updated safety tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering crime, scams, or travel delays.
- Pre-Arrange Airport Transportation: To avoid the risk of taxi scams, book your airport shuttle or transfer service in advance through a reputable hotel or a known tour operator. If using a taxi, only use the official orange airport taxis or the licensed red taxis with a visible yellow triangular medallion.
- Secure Valuables Immediately: Before leaving the terminal, place all passports, wallets, and electronics in secure, non-visible locations. Do not flash expensive jewelry or electronics.
- Monitor Flight Status: Given the recent system outages and radar failures, continuously check the status of your flight with your airline (e.g., Avianca, American Airlines) before heading to the airport. Allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoints.
- Be Wary of Distraction Scams: Petty criminals often work in teams. Be highly vigilant at bus stops, rental car counters, and in parking lots. Do not let your bags out of your sight, even for a moment.
- Heed Health Warnings: Review the U.S. Embassy’s December 2025 Health Alert on Listeria. Be cautious about the food and products you consume, especially those subject to the recall.
- Use Official Airport Resources: Stick to official airport services, information desks, and uniformed staff for assistance. Avoid unsolicited help from individuals offering to carry bags or arrange transport.
By understanding the current travel warnings—from the crime threat on the routes to the technical risks and the specific health alert—you are better equipped to enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Costa Rica. Vigilance and preparation are your best defense against the current challenges at SJO.
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