A security alert tied to an Interpol warning temporarily restricted access to parts of Juan Santamaría International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a police response at Costa Rica’s main international gateway in Alajuela.
The alert centered on a suspicious vehicle located in the airport parking area. According to reports from judicial and airport authorities, Interpol warned that the vehicle could possibly contain explosives, firearms or other illegal materials. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial responded to the scene, while airport operator AERIS activated security protocols.
As a precaution, access to the international departures level was temporarily restricted while authorities inspected the area. Passengers were kept away from the affected zone as police and specialized units worked around the vehicle. AERIS said at the time that the terminal and airport operations continued under established security procedures.
Videos and reports from the scene showed a large police presence near the airport parking area. Authorities used specialized equipment during the inspection, and local media reported that a controlled detonation was carried out to access part of the vehicle during the search.
By last evening, AERIS said access to the international departures and arrivals levels had been restored. The airport operator reported that passenger entry was proceeding normally and that air operations remained active under standard procedures. The OIJ later confirmed that explosives were ruled out after the inspection. The review was carried out with support from the Unidad Especial de Intervención. After the procedure, the vehicle was returned to its owners.
Javier Moreira, director of the Air Surveillance Service, said the situation did not lead to the suspension of incoming or outgoing flights. A security perimeter was established around the area where the vehicle was located while the inspection was carried out. The incident caused concern among those in the airport, especially as images of police activity spread on social media. However, the later update from authorities pointed to a precautionary security response rather than a confirmed threat.
No arrests had been publicly confirmed in the updates reviewed. Authorities have not released further details on the origin of the Interpol alert or why the vehicle was flagged. The case briefly disrupted access at one of our most important transportation points and showed the level of coordination now used when international alerts involve airport facilities.
