The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented a complaint this Wednesday to the General Directorate of Migration in Costa Rica for the delays that have continued to take place at the airport due to the slow migratory control; a situation that started occurring after the new system was implemented just a few months ago.

IATA stated that when they received notification that the new system would begin operating they were emphatic in pointing out that inevitably it was going to cause long lines unless additional personnel was hired.

Back in September of 2017 migration authorities eliminated the paper form that had to be filled out and which was later verified once the passenger had completed the check-in process and now the entire process is done at the counter using the system implemented and conducting a short interview. Ever since the system was implemented it has gone down 10 times (through January 3) causing incredibly long lines, and even when it is working properly it the process is slow causing delays and inconveniences to travelers at the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia and Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela.

Just yesterday travelers were reporting lines of almost 100 meters in the Juan Santamaría Airport.

Migration authorities stated earlier this week that in response to the high season they plan to increase the number of Migration control counters from 8 to 14 to speed up the process for passengers leaving the country.

Airlines complain that the delays have had a negative impact in the departure time of many flights at both airports, delays which also end up affecting connecting flights.

Even though the number of travelers increases this time a year, the season is considered normal by authorities of both International Airports, the only change that has been made is the new migratory system, and therefore it is logical to think that the problems are a result of this change.

Yet, Migration stated through a press release that the new migratory system “is not the cause of the events that have taken place. Other elements are contributing to the long lines, considering that the capacity of the services has been exceeded as well as the limitations of the airports’ infrastructure that should respond to the demand which has obviously grown”. They also suggest that the planning and logistic of the flights is what causes long lines, since there is “high coincidence in determined hours, concentrating the heavy traffic of passengers in peak hours, and spaces that have reached their maximum capacity”; and they conclude “national security is not negotiable, and is not up for discussion”.