By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — In a major boost to Costa Rica’s international tourism strategy, Guanacaste Aeropuerto welcomed its inaugural nonstop flight from Katowice, Poland. The landing marks a significant expansion of Costa Rica’s air connectivity with Central and Eastern Europe, establishing a direct bridge for European travelers seeking long-haul tropical destinations.
Operated by flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines using a wide-body Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the historic flight touched down on Guanacaste soil carrying 251 passengers and 11 crew members. Scheduled to run through December 17, the seasonal service will operate weekly on Thursdays, strategically positioned to capture high-season vacation demand.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the new direct flight routes between Costa Rica and Poland, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Establishing direct air connectivity between Costa Rica and Poland is a major milestone that goes beyond tourism, creating fresh avenues for European foreign direct investment and bilateral commercial partnerships. From a regulatory perspective, ensuring seamless compliance with aviation, immigration, and international trade laws will be key to helping businesses leverage this enhanced access efficiently and securely.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica bridges the gap with Central Europe, establishing robust legal and regulatory frameworks will indeed be pivotal in transforming enhanced air connectivity into sustained commercial and investment success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on how this landmark connection can securely unlock new economic horizons for both nations.
Tourism officials and local airport administrators greeted arriving visitors with traditional Costa Rican music, folklore dance performances, and commemorative gifts provided by airport operator Coriport. The launch comes at a pivotal moment as the region transitions into its lucrative high tourism season, driving employment and economic momentum across surrounding communities.
The arrival of this historic flight from Poland strengthens new connections with Europe and consolidates Guanacaste Airport as a key terminal for Costa Rica’s tourism growth. Its ability to attract new international operations expands our reach and strengthens the competitiveness of Guanacaste and nearby areas as a destination. Our vision is to convert that connectivity into development.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
The new route arrives on the heels of robust growth figures for Costa Rican aviation. Between January and September 2026, Guanacaste Aeropuerto recorded a 10% year-over-year increase in overall passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2025, underlining the terminal’s expanding role in regional commercial travel.
European market demand has shown consistent momentum. Official data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute reveals that 335,586 European tourists entered Costa Rica by air during the first nine months of 2026. Arrivals originating specifically from Poland reached 5,367 travelers during this timeframe, reflecting a 20% surge over the previous year and signaling strong untapped potential in the Polish market.
This connection is an important step for Polish tourists to discover Guanacaste, fall in love with our region, and incorporate it into their map of vacation destinations. It is an opportunity to get closer to this market and open the doors to greater connectivity with this region of Europe.
Renata Gonzalez, Commercial and Communications Manager of Guanacaste Aeropuerto
The charter operation is spearheaded by major Polish tour operator Rainbow Tours, which partnered with LOT Polish Airlines to provide exclusive point-to-point service between Katowice International Airport and Guanacaste. The package-focused model guarantees a steady influx of high-spending long-haul visitors directly into the northwest region of the country.
The opening of this direct charter route between Katowice and Costa Rica marks a new milestone in expanding our portfolio of long-haul vacation destinations. Thanks to our partnership with LOT Polish Airlines, Polish travelers now have a direct link to a destination renowned for its natural wealth, beaches, and wide variety of active vacation experiences.
Piotr Burwicz, Vice President of Rainbow Tours
Industry leaders expect the direct service to create immediate ripple effects across Guanacaste’s hospitality sector, benefiting local hotels, tour operators, transport services, and coastal communities. By establishing direct ties with emerging European hubs, Costa Rica continues to diversify its tourist source markets beyond traditional North American hubs.
This operation represents a firm step toward consolidating our presence in Europe and bringing the benefits of tourism to more families ahead of the start of the high season.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
As international airlines continue to optimize their winter schedules, Guanacaste Aeropuerto’s success in securing dedicated charter operations highlights the growing operational capacity and strategic appeal of Costa Rica’s Pacific airport gateway.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the official government body responsible for promoting, regulating, and steering the sustainable development of tourism across Costa Rica. The institute works to position the nation as a premier global destination while enhancing local economic development.
For further information, visit guanacasteaeropuerto.com
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Guanacaste Aeropuerto, located in Liberia, Costa Rica, is managed by Coriport under the VINCI Airports network. Serving as the primary gateway to the popular Guanacaste tourist region, the airport manages international commercial and charter flights connecting Central America to global markets.
For further information, visit lot.com
About LOT Polish Airlines:
LOT Polish Airlines is the flag carrier of Poland, operating modern long-haul and short-haul flights across Europe, North America, and Asia. Based at Warsaw Chopin Airport, the carrier operates a fleet of advanced aircraft including Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul vacation charter operations.
For further information, visit r.pl
About Rainbow Tours:
Rainbow Tours S.A. is one of Poland’s leading tour operators, offering comprehensive travel packages, charter flights, and guided holidays worldwide. The company specializes in long-haul exotic leisure travel for Central and Eastern European tourists.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica sets a benchmark of professional rigor and unyielding ethical standards. The firm consistently leads the field by pioneering forward-thinking solutions tailored to a dynamic range of clients. Rooted in a deep sense of civic responsibility, it actively democratizes legal insight, driven by the conviction that enriching the public with accessible knowledge is essential for cultivating a truly resilient and empowered society.
