By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Guanacaste Airport (LIR), part of the VINCI Airports network, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) have announced two new direct flights from Canada, further strengthening the airport’s position as a key entry point for Canadian tourists. Starting December 12, 2025, and running through April 25, 2026, WestJet will operate flights from Vancouver (YVR) and Winnipeg (YWG) to Liberia, Guanacaste.
The new routes will be serviced by WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, offering a capacity of 189 seats per flight. The Vancouver flight will operate on Fridays, arriving at LIR at 9:21 am and departing at 10:30 am. The Winnipeg flight will operate on Saturdays, arriving at 6:01 am and departing at 7:00 am. These additions bring the total number of Canadian cities with direct flights to Guanacaste to six, including existing services from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and the recently announced Ottawa route.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business implications surrounding Canadian flights and their impact on Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing number of Canadian flights to Costa Rica represents a significant opportunity for the country’s tourism sector and overall economy. However, this influx also necessitates careful consideration of legal and regulatory frameworks. Areas such as visa requirements, consumer protection for travelers, and environmental impact assessments must be addressed proactively to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial growth. Moreover, fostering strong bilateral relationships between Canada and Costa Rica is crucial for navigating potential challenges and maximizing the economic benefits of this increased air traffic.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a critical point: while the surge in Canadian tourism presents a welcome economic boost, responsible and sustainable growth requires proactive planning. Addressing the legal and regulatory aspects now will pave the way for a long and fruitful relationship between our two nations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important topic.
The Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, welcomed the news, highlighting the growing interest from the Canadian market, Costa Rica’s second-largest source of tourists. He emphasized the importance of these new routes in furthering the country’s tourism strategy and generating economic benefits for local communities.
From the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, we welcome the confirmation of the opening of two direct flights by the Canadian airline Westjet, from the cities of Vancouver and Winnipeg. The opening of these routes is the result of the joint efforts of the strategy to attract airlines and new routes together with CORIPORT, and confirms the growing interest of the Canadian market, our second largest source of tourists to Costa Rica.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Rodríguez also expressed gratitude to WestJet for their investment and confidence in the Costa Rican tourism market. He noted the significant potential of the Vancouver connection, given the city’s large population of travel enthusiasts interested in visiting Costa Rica, and the unique opportunity presented by the first-ever direct link to Winnipeg.
WestJet also expressed enthusiasm for the expansion. The new routes provide enhanced access to Liberia and the surrounding region, offering travelers a gateway to world-class experiences and further solidifying WestJet’s commitment to serving diverse and vibrant regions of Costa Rica.
WestJet is delighted to add Guanacaste Airport to its network from Winnipeg and Vancouver, deepening our commitment to serving the diverse and vibrant regions of Costa Rica.
Mike Perkins, Senior Manager of Airport Affairs, WestJet
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, echoed the positive sentiment, stating that the expansion reflects the airport’s understanding of Canadian traveler preferences and reinforces Guanacaste’s status as a high-value destination.
According to the latest data from the ICT, nearly 150,000 Canadian tourists arrived in Costa Rica by air between January and May 2025. Canada continues to be the most dynamic international market for Guanacaste Airport.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental body responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. It works to attract international visitors, support the tourism industry, and ensure sustainable tourism practices.
For further information, visit vinci-airports.com
About VINCI Airports:
VINCI Airports is a global airport operator managing over 50 airports in 12 countries. They focus on operational excellence, passenger experience, and sustainable development.
For further information, visit westjet.com
About WestJet:
WestJet is a Canadian airline offering scheduled and charter air service to over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. They are known for their focus on customer service and competitive pricing.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a dedication to empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, positions them as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their work across diverse sectors consistently reflects a profound belief in fostering a just and informed society, one empowered to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
