Heavy rains this afternoon and evening due to a tropical storm in the Caribbean ocean caused two planes so far to be rerouted from the main Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) near San José, Costa Rica.

Stormy weather today, Wednesday, October 4, caused such low visibility at the Alajuela airport, civil aviation authorities have temporarily closed the airport. The flights were re-routed to the northern Liberia, Guanacaste airport.

Conditions are being constantly monitored so that when possible, during moments when the weather clears, some flights have been able to land.

“Because we are under the minimum levels of visibility, a plane of Copa and Iberia have already been diverted to the airport in Liberia, which is the alternate,” said Enio Cubillo, director of civil aviation.

Forecasts by the Costa Rican National Meteorological Institute (IMN) say that tomorrow, Thursday, October 5, many parts of the country, notably the entire Pacific and central regions, will receive the greatest amount of rain from this storm.

Therefore, closures could be in effect tonight and also tomorrow.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation… and will be closed as long as necessary,” added Cubillo.

Please check with your airline if you are flying during this storm for any possible changes to your itinerary.