By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to bolster international tourism, Canadian airline Air Transat has announced the launch of a new, year-round direct flight connecting Quebec City with San José. The weekly service is set to begin operations on December 15, further cementing Canada’s position as a crucial market for Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector.
The new route will operate without stops between Quebec’s Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Costa Rica’s primary international hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This strategic addition enhances air connectivity and provides Canadian travelers with another direct access point to the country’s celebrated natural attractions.
To better understand the legal framework and potential passenger rights implications surrounding Air Transat’s operations, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
International carriers like Air Transat are governed by a complex matrix of treaties, such as the Montreal Convention, and local consumer protection laws. Any significant operational change or service disruption immediately triggers questions of contractual liability. For passengers, the critical points are the airline’s duty to inform, re-route, or provide compensation, which can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the flight cancellation or delay. From a business perspective, managing these legal obligations proactively is essential to avoid costly class-action lawsuits and damage to brand reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective masterfully highlights the intricate web of obligations that airlines must navigate, where international treaties and passenger rights directly intersect with business viability. The consequences of mismanagement, as noted, ripple far beyond legal fees into the core of brand trust and customer loyalty. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and invaluable analysis of these critical considerations.
Tourism officials lauded the announcement, emphasizing its strategic importance. William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the dual benefit of opening a new city connection while strengthening ties with a key partner nation.
We are pleased to announce this excellent news for two reasons: it connects us with a new city, and Quebec becomes the seventh city in Canada from which we have a direct flight.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The minister attributed this successful expansion to targeted strategies and robust collaboration between government bodies, airlines, and the Canadian tourism sector. He noted that the new flight is a testament to the nation’s appeal and strong standing among international visitors.
This reflects the solid positioning of Costa Rica in our second-largest source market for tourists.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, echoed the government’s enthusiasm. Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS, pointed to the coordinated efforts that made the new route possible and stressed its role in fostering economic and cultural exchange.
At AERIS, we celebrate the announcement of this new route between Quebec and San José, which is the result of coordinated work with airlines and authorities.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
From a commercial standpoint, the decision is driven by strong and sustained consumer interest. Sebastian Ponce, the Commercial Director for Air Transat, confirmed that Costa Rica remains a highly sought-after destination, justifying the airline’s continued investment in the region.
The demand for sun and beach destinations remains very strong, and the airline’s experience allows us to expand our presence.
Sebastian Ponce, Commercial Director of Air Transat
The announcement comes on the heels of impressive growth figures. Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) for the first quarter of 2026 shows that 146,841 tourists arrived from Canada by air, marking a remarkable 27.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge underscores the growing appetite for the unique experiences Costa Rica offers.
According to 2024 ICT studies, Canadian visitors are a high-value demographic, with an average stay of 15.4 nights and a daily expenditure of approximately $227.50 per person. Their interests are diverse, ranging from classic sun and beach relaxation to immersive nature and adventure activities. Popular pursuits include visiting volcanoes and waterfalls, hiking, wildlife observation, rafting, zip-lining, and snorkeling, as well as wellness experiences like yoga retreats.
With the addition of Quebec City, Costa Rica now boasts direct air links to seven major Canadian urban centers: Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary, and now Quebec. This expansive network not only facilitates easier travel but also strengthens the economic and cultural bridge between the two nations, promising continued growth for Costa Rica’s vital tourism industry.
For further information, visit airtransat.com
About Air Transat:
Air Transat is a leading Canadian leisure airline based in Montreal, Quebec. Operating as part of Transat A.T. Inc., it specializes in scheduled and charter flights to numerous international destinations. The airline is known for its vacation packages and extensive network connecting Canada to destinations across the Americas and Europe, focusing on sun destinations during the winter months.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About ICT (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the official government body responsible for the regulation, development, and promotion of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy and strategic alliances. ICT works to market the country internationally and ensure high standards of quality and sustainability within the national tourism industry.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. As a member of the CCR Group, AERIS is committed to providing a world-class passenger experience and enhancing airport infrastructure to support the country’s economic and tourism growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm not only pioneers innovative legal strategies for a diverse clientele but also passionately champions the cause of public legal education. This profound commitment to demystifying the law is driven by a mission to equip the community with crucial knowledge, thereby cultivating a more just and empowered society.
