Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber International Airport (Guanacaste Airport) is facing serious operational risks after recently completed runway repairs failed to meet international aviation standards. A report by the National Laboratory for Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme) revealed premature deformations on runway 07-25, raising concerns about aircraft safety during landings and takeoffs.
The $36 million project, carried out by construction firm MECO and completed in February, has been flagged for poor pavement strength and reduced braking capacity. Measurements show that wet conditions increase the likelihood of skidding and runway excursions, while tire mark concentrations and water accumulation further compromise safety.
The findings are linked to Costa Rica’s “Pista Oscura” judicial case, which alleges that changes to the runway’s repair design led to substandard work. Investigations have resulted in raids and arrests of former officials, including ex-minister Mauricio Batalla and senior aviation authorities, accused of endorsing design modifications that favored MECO despite incomplete work.
Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Airport Runway Declared Safety Risk After Faulty Repairs
