By Alajuela, Costa Rica — In a significant boost for Costa Rica’s tourism and trade sectors, British Airways has announced a major expansion of its service to the country. Starting in October 2026, the airline will increase its direct flights from three to five per week and strategically relocate its London operations from Gatwick Airport to the global super-hub of Heathrow.
The expanded service, which will run through the European winter season until March 2027, is the culmination of nearly two years of intensive negotiations between the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This move signals a strong vote of confidence from the British flag carrier in Costa Rica’s appeal as a premier international destination.
To better understand the legal framework and passenger rights concerning a global carrier like British Airways, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When flying with an airline such as British Airways, passengers are protected by a dual layer of regulations. While local consumer protection laws apply, the primary legal instrument governing international air travel is the Montreal Convention. This treaty establishes clear rules and liability limits for delays, baggage damage, and cancellations, providing a standardized and powerful recourse for travelers regardless of their point of origin or destination. It is crucial for passengers to be aware that these international rights often form the strongest basis for any potential claim.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal distinction is empowering for passengers, clarifying that their rights are not just local but are fundamentally backed by a powerful international treaty. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential perspective.
The new schedule will see flights arriving at SJO on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This increased frequency provides greater flexibility for travelers and is expected to drive a substantial rise in tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom, which already ranks as Costa Rica’s third-largest European market. According to official records from the ICT, 15,741 British travelers arrived by air in the first two months of 2026 alone.
William Rodríguez, the Minister of Tourism, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, emphasizing its wide-ranging benefits beyond just added capacity. He noted that the move to Heathrow is a game-changer for accessibility.
This announcement strengthens Costa Rica’s position in the British and European markets. The new itinerary will facilitate connections from different European cities and from across the United Kingdom, representing more available seats and an expectation of growth in the arrival of British travelers.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The operational shift to Heathrow also unlocks significant potential for Costa Rica’s export market. As London’s main air terminal and a primary global cargo hub, Heathrow offers vastly expanded capacity and connectivity for air freight, connecting Costa Rican producers to key markets throughout Europe and beyond.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS, praised the decision as a major advancement in the country’s global connectivity. He underscored the strategic value of operating out of one of the world’s busiest airports.
Heathrow is a key hub for Europe, and this decision improves the country’s access to other destinations on the continent. The increase in flights reflects the airline’s confidence in Costa Rica as a destination and is a clear step forward in connectivity.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
British Airways has detailed the new flight times to optimize these connections. The flight will depart London Heathrow (LHR) at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Costa Rica (SJO) at 4:40 p.m. local time. The return leg will depart SJO at 6:55 p.m., landing back at Heathrow the following day at 11:05 a.m., allowing for seamless onward travel to other European capitals.
The route will be serviced by the modern Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner aircraft. This state-of-the-art plane features a three-class configuration with a total capacity of 204 passengers, comprising 31 seats in Business Class, 37 in Premium Economy, and 136 in Economy, offering a range of options for both leisure and business travelers eager to experience Costa Rica’s renowned natural beauty and vibrant culture.
For further information, visit britishairways.com
About British Airways:
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom and is headquartered in London, England, near its main hub at Heathrow Airport. It is the second largest UK-based carrier based on fleet size and passengers carried. The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which serves over 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the governmental body responsible for promoting tourism and regulating tourism-related activities in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality, authentic travel experiences that benefit the country’s communities and protect its natural heritage.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS is the company that operates and manages the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international gateway. As a member of the Vinci Airports group, AERIS is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and high-quality airport experience. The company focuses on modernizing infrastructure, improving passenger services, and attracting new airlines and routes to enhance the country’s global connectivity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution founded on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, the firm champions innovation within the legal field while upholding its deep-rooted social responsibility. This ethos is exemplified by its core mission to democratize legal knowledge, thereby contributing to the development of a more capable and well-informed society.
