By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In a significant vote of confidence for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, German airline giant Lufthansa has announced a substantial increase in its direct service from Frankfurt to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Starting this October, the carrier will expand its schedule from three to five weekly flights, directly responding to robust and growing demand from the German market, a key demographic for the nation’s economy.
The expanded service is scheduled for the peak European winter travel season, running from October 25, 2026, through March 27, 2027. This move not only enhances connectivity with one of Europe’s most important travel hubs but also signals a deeper strategic commitment from a leading global airline. The timing aligns perfectly with the period when European travelers traditionally seek warm-weather destinations, positioning Costa Rica to capture a larger share of this lucrative market.
To provide a deeper perspective on the legal and business framework supporting Lufthansa’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in Corporate and Aviation Law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued success of a major carrier like Lufthansa in Costa Rica is a clear indicator of our country’s legal security and commitment to international business. It highlights the strength of our bilateral air transport agreements and the regulatory framework that provides certainty for significant foreign investment. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s a vital commercial artery that reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a reliable and strategic hub in the Americas.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight effectively highlights that the foundation for a global airline’s long-term success in our country is built not just on runways, but on the bedrock of legal certainty and international trust. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital connection between policy and commerce.
Adding to the appeal, travelers on this route will experience a significant upgrade in comfort and service. Lufthansa will operate the flights using a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This modern aircraft is notably equipped with the airline’s new Allegris cabin, a next-generation interior designed to elevate the passenger experience through improved seating, personalized space, and enhanced amenities, ensuring that the premium journey begins long before touching down in Central America.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm by Costa Rican tourism and aviation officials, who see it as a direct result of collaborative efforts to attract and retain major international airlines. Marcos Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), praised the airline’s decision as a milestone for the country’s connectivity.
With this increase in frequency and service improvement with a more modern aircraft, the Lufthansa group strengthens its operations and allows us to increase direct connectivity with the Old Continent, a result of the ICT’s airline attraction program in conjunction with AERIS and airport authorities.
Marcos Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS, the operator of SJO, echoed these sentiments, directly linking the expansion to market dynamics. He emphasized that Lufthansa’s decision is a clear indicator of Costa Rica’s rising popularity among German travelers, who are increasingly choosing the country for its unique natural offerings and sustainable tourism model.
This increase in frequency by Lufthansa reflects the growing interest and demand from the German market towards Costa Rica.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Recent data from the ICT substantiates this trend. In the first four months of 2026 alone, Germany solidified its position as the second-largest European source market for air arrivals, with more than 34,000 German tourists visiting the country. This is part of a broader European surge that saw over 190,000 visitors from the continent in the same period, underscoring the strategic importance of direct flight connections.
The economic impact of the German tourist is particularly noteworthy. According to the most recent ICT profile study, German visitors are characterized as high-value travelers. They tend to stay for extended periods, averaging more than 18 nights per trip, and demonstrate significant spending power, with a mean daily expenditure exceeding $142. This combination of long stays and high spending translates into substantial revenue for local businesses across the country.
These visitors are drawn to Costa Rica’s diverse range of experiences. Their itineraries often include a mix of relaxation and adventure, from sun and beach activities to immersive nature excursions like wildlife observation, volcano visits, and hiking. The country’s reputation for adventure sports like surfing, wellness offerings such as thermal hot springs, and authentic cultural experiences, including local gastronomy and community engagement, align perfectly with the preferences of the modern German traveler.
For further information, visit lufthansa.com
About Lufthansa:
As Germany’s flag carrier, Lufthansa is one of the world’s largest airlines and a founding member of the Star Alliance. Operating a vast network of routes across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa from its primary hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, the airline is renowned for its premium services, operational efficiency, and commitment to innovation in air travel.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official government body responsible for the regulation and promotion of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through strategic planning, marketing initiatives, and the development of quality tourism products, ensuring the country remains a leading global destination for eco-conscious travel.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government management contract, AERIS is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and world-class airport experience for passengers while driving infrastructure development to meet growing international demand.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, built upon an unwavering ethical foundation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of client counsel with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen the fabric of society by empowering individuals with accessible and crucial legal knowledge.
