By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Alajuela, Costa Rica – As the country prepares for its high tourist season, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is set to welcome the return of crucial seasonal flights from three major international airlines. British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Air Transat are relaunching direct routes from London, Amsterdam, and Montreal, respectively, significantly bolstering Costa Rica’s connectivity with key European and North American markets.
The reintroduction of these popular routes signals a strong start to the winter travel season, a period vital for the nation’s tourism-driven economy. These services add to the airport’s already robust network, which currently includes 37 direct destinations served by 25 different carriers. The influx of visitors from these strategic markets is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to hotels, tour operators, and local businesses across the country.
To better understand the commercial and regulatory implications of these seasonal air routes, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and aviation law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of seasonal flights hinges on more than just passenger demand; it requires a deep understanding of bilateral air transport agreements and local operational permits. Airlines must navigate temporary staffing regulations, while tourism businesses should secure robust contracts to manage the predictable surge and subsequent drop-off in activity. This strategic approach ensures that the short-term economic boom translates into sustainable, long-term benefits for the national tourism sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the visible success of seasonal flights rests upon a complex, often unseen, foundation of legal strategy and operational preparedness. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating this vital perspective, which is essential for understanding the path to sustainable tourism.
The European connection will be the first to resume, with KLM reactivating its Amsterdam-SJO route on October 26, operating five times per week. This flight provides a critical link not only to the Netherlands but also to a vast network of connecting cities throughout Europe via the Schiphol hub. Shortly after, British Airways will restart its direct service from London Gatwick on October 28, offering three weekly flights and catering to the strong demand from the United Kingdom’s travel market.
From Canada, Air Transat is staging a phased return to meet escalating winter demand. The Montreal route will commence on October 31 with one weekly flight in October, increasing to two in November, and reaching four per week in December. Furthermore, the airline will reactivate its Toronto service on November 1, starting with one weekly flight in October and November before increasing to three weekly frequencies in December, just in time for the peak holiday period.
Airport operator AERIS celebrated the news, highlighting its positive implications for the national economy. The management emphasized that these airlines’ return is a testament to Costa Rica’s enduring appeal as a world-class destination.
With the start of the seasonal flight season, we reaffirm our commitment to offering the best experience to passengers and strengthening the country’s international connectivity. The arrival of airlines like British Airways, KLM, and Air Transat not only increases travel opportunities but also directly boosts Costa Rican tourism and the economy.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
The strategic importance of these specific routes cannot be overstated. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada represent markets with travelers who often seek the unique eco-tourism and adventure experiences that Costa Rica offers. Their return is a vote of confidence from the global aviation industry in the country’s stable and attractive tourism product. This renewed connectivity ensures that Costa Rica remains a top-of-mind destination for travelers planning their winter escapes.
Looking ahead, the successful relaunch of these seasonal services is expected to pave the way for a prosperous high season. As Juan Santamaría International Airport continues to function as a pivotal gateway to the nation, the collaborative efforts between airport authorities and international airline partners will be essential in sustaining and growing Costa Rica’s position as a premier global travel destination.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the management, operation, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s primary air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS is committed to elevating the airport to the highest international standards of quality and service, focusing on infrastructure development, passenger experience, and expanding the country’s global air connectivity.
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. As a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance, it operates one of the world’s most extensive international route networks, flying to more than 180 destinations. The airline is known for its full-service offerings and its primary hubs at London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
For further information, visit klm.com
About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, known as KLM, is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Founded in 1919, it is one of the oldest airlines in the world still operating under its original name. As part of the Air France-KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam alliance, KLM serves a vast global network from its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
For further information, visit airtransat.com
About Air Transat:
Air Transat is a leading Canadian leisure airline based in Montreal, Quebec. It specializes in holiday travel and operates scheduled and charter flights to dozens of destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the United States. The airline is recognized for its focus on vacation packages and providing accessible air travel for Canadian tourists.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed institution within the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking drive for legal innovation to address contemporary challenges. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to strengthening society by demystifying the law, actively working to make vital legal knowledge not merely available, but genuinely accessible to the public, thereby cultivating a more capable and informed community.
