A Southwest Airlines flight that departed Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport made an emergency landing Sunday at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia after the crew reported a midair problem shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft, identified as Southwest flight WN1203, was traveling from San José to Houston when it diverted to Guanacaste. Flight-tracking records show the Boeing 737 MAX 8 left Juan Santamaría at 2:12 p.m. Costa Rica time and landed at Guanacaste Airport at 3:12 p.m., while the original San José–Houston flight was listed as diverted.
The emergency may have been related to a bird strike shortly after departure. Costa Rica’s Fire Department reportedly said the pilot reported a “bird strike,” a term used when an aircraft collides with a bird during flight. The aircraft remained in the air for several minutes before landing as crews followed emergency procedures.
Daniel Oduber airport activated an Alerta 3, the highest airport emergency protocol for this type of aviation incident, mobilizing airport emergency crews, firefighters and the Red Cross as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely in Liberia, and no injuries were reported. Airport authorities later lifted the Alerta 3 and resumed operations at Guanacaste Airport. The aircraft remained under technical inspection while authorities reviewed the incident and the condition of the plane.
Passenger counts varied slightly in local reports, with figures ranging from 160 to 166 people on board. Authorities reported no injuries and said the incident resulted only in material damage to the aircraft. The emergency comes during a busy travel period for Costa Rica’s two main international airports, with Guanacaste Airport serving as a major gateway for tourists heading to beach destinations in Liberia, Papagayo, Tamarindo and the Nicoya Peninsula.
The incident remains under review. For travelers, the main operational update is that the emergency protocol was lifted and flights at Guanacaste Airport resumed after the aircraft landed safely.
