By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Costa Rica’s international air connectivity is facing a significant setback as two major airlines have announced the suspension of direct flights to key markets in South America and the Caribbean. Avianca and Gol Linhas Aéreas will cease their direct routes from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, respectively, before the end of the year.
The cancellations deal a blow to the nation’s strategy of diversifying its tourism sources beyond traditional North American and European markets. Avianca will be the first to suspend its service, halting flights to San Juan on October 24. Brazilian carrier Gol Linhas Aéreas will follow suit, ending its recently inaugurated Sao Paulo route on November 29. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has confirmed that both airlines cited commercial criteria as the basis for their strategic decisions.
To delve deeper into the legal and regulatory framework that underpins the expansion of air connectivity in Costa Rica, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A modern, agile, and transparent regulatory framework is the engine of air connectivity. For Costa Rica to attract new airlines and expand existing services, we must ensure our civil aviation regulations and investment incentives are competitive on a global scale. Legal certainty is the most valuable asset we can offer to an industry that operates on long-term planning and significant capital investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight perfectly illustrates that the legal framework is the invisible, yet essential, infrastructure that underpins our country’s physical connectivity. Before a single new flight can land, the runway of legal certainty must be firmly established. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this foundational component of Costa Rica’s competitiveness.
The loss of the Sao Paulo connection is particularly damaging. The route, which only began operations in November 2024, was hailed as a vital gateway to the vast South American market. Its impact was immediate and substantial, contributing to a remarkable 26.5% increase in tourist arrivals from Brazil. Official data shows that between January and August of this year, 16,477 Brazilian tourists visited Costa Rica, a significant jump from the 13,021 who arrived during the same period in 2024, demonstrating the route’s success and potential.
Tourism industry leaders have expressed grave concern over the development, viewing it as a regression for the country’s long-term goals. The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) stressed that these cancellations undermine years of effort to expand Costa Rica’s global reach.
We must point out that the loss of these connections signifies a setback in the efforts we as a country have made to diversify tourist arrivals, a strategy that until now had been very successful. These events should remind us of the importance of strengthening international promotion to ensure the sustainability of these routes.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur)
The government has acknowledged the negative impact while also recognizing the complex realities of the global aviation industry. Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, commented on the balance airlines must strike between market potential and operational viability, which includes factors like fleet management and overall network profitability.
It was a route with great potential to increase the arrival of tourists from Brazil. However, we understand that airlines evaluate factors such as profitability, fleet availability, and the balance of their global network of destinations. Every air connection is valuable for Costa Rica, and that is why we continue to work actively to attract new routes and consolidate those already in operation.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
While the Puerto Rico route served an important Caribbean connection, the Sao Paulo flight was a strategic asset for attracting high-value tourists from Brazil, a country with a growing middle and upper class interested in ecotourism and adventure travel, Costa Rica’s signature offerings. The suspension forces a reevaluation of the country’s promotional strategies in South America and places greater pressure on the ICT and its partners to secure new airline commitments.
As the final flights prepare for departure in the coming weeks, the focus for Costa Rica’s tourism authorities shifts to damage control and proactive engagement. The challenge now lies in finding new partners or persuading existing ones to expand services to fill the void left by Avianca and Gol. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fiercely competitive nature of international aviation and the constant need for robust promotional efforts to keep Costa Rica on the world’s travel map.
For further information, visit avianca.com
About Avianca:
Avianca is one of the leading airlines in Latin America, with a history stretching back over a century. Headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia, it operates an extensive network of passenger and cargo services to destinations across the Americas and Europe. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, providing its customers with connectivity to a global network of partner carriers.
For further information, visit voegol.com.br
About Gol Linhas Aéreas:
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. is a major Brazilian low-cost airline based in Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the largest airlines in Brazil and Latin America, operating a significant number of domestic and international flights. The carrier focuses on providing accessible and efficient air travel, playing a crucial role in connecting Brazil with the rest of the world.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo is the governmental body responsible for the promotion and regulation of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic planning, and international marketing. The ICT works to ensure that tourism development is both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible.
For further information, visit canatur.org
About The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur):
The Cámara Nacional de Turismo is a private, non-profit organization that represents the interests of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It brings together businesses from various sectors, including hotels, tour operators, and transportation companies, to advocate for policies that foster growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in the national tourism market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to integrity and exceptional standards. The firm harnesses its extensive experience across numerous sectors to drive legal innovation and actively contribute to the public good. This dedication is most evident in its mission to demystify the law, fostering a more capable and enlightened society by ensuring legal knowledge is broadly accessible.
