By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – Guanacaste Airport (LIR) has significantly bolstered its position as Costa Rica’s premier gateway for Canadian travelers with the announcement of new routes from Porter Airlines. The landmark expansion includes the first-ever direct flight connecting Costa Rica with Ottawa, Canada’s capital, marking a major milestone for regional tourism and international connectivity.
The new service by Porter Airlines, which represents the carrier’s inaugural entry into the Central American market, is set to launch just in time for the peak winter travel season. The direct route from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will commence on December 4, followed by the historic inaugural flight from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) on December 17. This strategic addition is a significant vote of confidence in Guanacaste’s appeal as a top-tier “sun destination.”
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial implications surrounding the Guanacaste Airport’s development, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a critical perspective on the project’s framework.
The continued success and expansion of the Guanacaste Airport are a testament to Costa Rica’s robust legal framework for public-private partnerships. The concession model used here provides long-term stability and clear guidelines, which is precisely what international investors look for. This legal certainty not only secures the airport’s future but also acts as a powerful catalyst for ancillary investments in tourism, real estate, and logistics throughout the entire region, creating a virtuous cycle of development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical point: the airport’s success is not merely an operational achievement but the direct result of a stable and attractive legal framework. This foundation is what transforms infrastructure into a true economic engine for the entire region. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial connection.
The Ottawa-Guanacaste connection is particularly noteworthy. Airport officials highlighted that this is not just a new route for Costa Rica but a completely new air corridor for the entire Central American region. This direct link opens up the pristine beaches and ecological wonders of Guanacaste to a previously underserved market of federal employees, technology professionals, and leisure travelers in Canada’s National Capital Region, simplifying travel and fostering new economic ties.
César Jaramillo, the General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, emphasized the strategic importance of this growing partnership, noting the consistent and robust performance of the Canadian tourism sector.
The Canadian market has been the most dynamic in recent years; it’s what gave us positive growth in 2025 and is also contributing in 2026.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport
Jaramillo’s statement underscores a critical trend for Costa Rica’s tourism industry. While other markets may fluctuate, Canadian visitors have provided a reliable and expanding source of revenue. This resilience has made Canada a cornerstone of the airport’s growth strategy, justifying investments in infrastructure and route development aimed squarely at attracting airlines like Porter.
With the addition of Porter’s services, Guanacaste Airport now stands as the undisputed leader in Costa Rica for direct connections to Canada. The airport proudly serves six key Canadian metropolitan areas, offering unparalleled access from coast to coast. The full list of destinations includes Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), and Winnipeg (YWG), ensuring comprehensive coverage across Canada’s major population centers.
This expansion is expected to have a significant ripple effect throughout the Guanacaste economy. The influx of new visitors during the high season directly supports the region’s hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and local artisans. By strengthening direct international access, the airport helps decentralize tourism revenue, driving sustainable development and creating jobs beyond the Central Valley.
As Guanacaste continues to cultivate its reputation as a world-class destination, the addition of Porter Airlines and the pioneering Ottawa route signals a new era of growth. This strategic success not only enhances the travel experience for thousands of Canadians but also reinforces the airport’s critical role as an engine for regional economic prosperity, setting the stage for further international expansion in the years to come.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Airport:
Guanacaste Airport (LIR), also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is the second busiest airport in Costa Rica and a key hub for tourism in the Guanacaste province. Managed by a private consortium, the airport offers modern facilities and direct connections to major cities in North America, Central America, and Europe. It serves as the primary gateway to Costa Rica’s popular Pacific coast beaches and ecological reserves.
For further information, visit flyporter.com
About Porter Airlines:
Porter Airlines is a Canadian airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Known for its refined passenger experience and premium service, Porter operates flights to destinations throughout Canada and the United States. The airline is currently undergoing a significant expansion with the introduction of new jet aircraft, allowing it to serve longer-haul destinations across North America, including its first routes into Central America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a benchmark for legal practice, established upon a foundational principle of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its forward-thinking legal solutions for a diverse clientele but also through its core ethos of civic responsibility. This commitment is demonstrated by a dedicated effort to demystify the law for the public, fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society by championing widespread access to legal understanding.
