Foreign Office warns UK tourists of 'airport disruptions' after passengers stranded

Bahia Drake beach in Costa Rica
-Credit: (Image: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images)


UK tourists travelling to central America have been warned of 'airport disruptions' after passengers were reportedly left stranded in Costa Rica.

The British Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the country on November 26, urging tourists to 'monitor carefully' instructions from their holiday provider when travelling to or from Liberia Airport.

It comes after flights were hit by delays due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Sara. The disruption meant holidaymakers were unable to land or leave as planned and caused significant challenges for airlines.

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The Costa Rica Tourism Board confirmed that full operations had resumed on November 20 following the completion of runway maintenance, but advised passengers to check flight schedules for the latest information.

In an alert entitled 'airport disruptions', the UK Foreign Office said: "Services at the Liberia Airport (LIR – Daniel Oduber International) in Guanacaste have been subject to interruptions. You should monitor carefully information from your travel provider when travelling to and from this airport."

Extreme weather including hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions may cause issues for travellers visiting Costa Rica. The hurricane season usually runs from June to November and holidaymakers are advised to follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders, and to plan any local travel carefully.

June to November is also the peak rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur, resulting in road closures. There is also a risk of earthquakes, though widespread effects are rare, and the risk of volcanic eruptions in Costa Rica is always present, the Foreign Office warned.

Officials said: "Check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there's increased risk of lava flows."