By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Guanacaste Airport in Costa Rica is set to enhance its connectivity to the West Coast of the United States with the introduction of two new routes by Alaska Airlines.
Starting December 21, 2024, the airline will operate direct flights from Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO) to Guanacaste (LIR), using a Boeing 737-8 Max with a capacity of 178 seats.
This development marks a significant milestone for Guanacaste Airport, which is part of the VINCI Airports network.
The 2024-2025 high season is expected to be historic for Costa Rica, thanks to the increased operations announced by various airlines,” he stated. “These new flights will not only increase arrivals from Seattle and San Francisco but also improve our connectivity with northern regions like Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and even Canada
William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism
From January to May 2024, Guanacaste Airport received 344,789 passengers from the U.S., highlighting the importance of this connection.
The move is a strategic effort to boost tourism and economic ties between Costa Rica and the United States, its primary tourist market.
The new routes will operate weekly on Saturdays, with Seattle flights departing at 8:15 AM and arriving in Guanacaste at 5:15 PM, while San Francisco flights will leave at 8:00 AM, arriving at 4:20 PM.
We are excited to welcome passengers on our new nonstop service from San Francisco and Seattle to Guanacaste, one of Central America’s most beautiful and vibrant destinations. These additions provide convenient connections to a destination we began serving in 2015, reinforcing our commitment to Latin America
Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines
The new flight schedules are designed for optimal convenience.
The return flights from Guanacaste to Seattle will depart on Sundays at 10:00 AM, arriving at 4:45 PM. Meanwhile, flights to San Francisco will depart on Saturdays at 5:30 PM, arriving at 10:35 PM.
This announcement reflects the hard work of our route development team to strengthen our network in strategic markets on the U.S. West Coast, supported by the ICT. We are preparing for a high season with new flights, demonstrating the destination’s appeal to foreign tourists
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport,
This expansion by Alaska Airlines underscores the growing demand for travel to Costa Rica and the strategic importance of Guanacaste as a key destination.
As tourism continues to recover and thrive post-pandemic, these new routes are poised to play a vital role in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between Costa Rica and the United States.
For further information, visit alaskaair.com
About Alaska Airlines:
Alaska Airlines, a major American airline headquartered in Seattle, Washington, operates flights to more than 115 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica. Known for its exceptional customer service and innovative travel experiences, Alaska Airlines is committed to providing seamless and enjoyable journeys for its passengers.
