By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – In a significant boost for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, Guanacaste Airport has confirmed that Porter Airlines will convert its recently launched Toronto-Liberia route into a year-round service. The decision follows exceptional demand since the flight’s inauguration, cementing the strong and growing travel connection between Canada and Costa Rica’s pristine Pacific coast.
The Toronto (YYZ) to Guanacaste (LIR) route, which first took flight on December 4, 2025, was initially designed as a seasonal offering to cater to high-season travel. However, the overwhelming positive response from travelers prompted the Canadian airline to make a long-term commitment, ensuring a consistent link between the two destinations throughout the calendar year.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business framework surrounding Porter Airlines’ expansion into Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The arrival of Porter Airlines not only diversifies travel options but also intensifies competition, which should ultimately benefit consumers. From a legal perspective, it is imperative that the airline fully complies with Costa Rica’s consumer protection laws, particularly concerning fare transparency and passenger rights in cases of delays or cancellations. This new venture underscores the country’s stable investment climate and the strength of our regulatory framework in the aviation sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s emphasis on regulatory compliance is a crucial point; the strength of Costa Rica’s consumer protection framework will be the true measure of success in this new competitive landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying legal perspective.
This strategic expansion reflects a powerful vote of confidence in Guanacaste as a premier international destination. The new schedule will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access. During the high season, from November to April, the airline will operate an average of six flights per week. For the remainder of the year, from May to October, the service will continue with two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, all operated on modern, fuel-efficient Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Airport officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Toronto market and the benefits of the increased capacity. The decision to extend the service is expected to maintain momentum for the region’s primary international gateway.
Toronto is the most dynamic market for the terminal. The increase in frequencies will allow for greater seat availability and will consolidate the airport as a main point of entry.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Aeropuerto
The successful establishment and rapid expansion of this route are the result of a coordinated strategic effort between the management of Guanacaste Airport and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). This collaboration was instrumental in positioning Guanacaste as the first airport in all of Central America to welcome Porter Airlines flights from Toronto. The partnership’s success was further demonstrated when, just days after the Toronto launch, Porter inaugurated another historic route connecting Ottawa directly with Guanacaste.
The Canadian market remains a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s tourism industry, and this new year-round service is poised to further strengthen that relationship. According to data from the ICT, 260,347 Canadian tourists entered the country by air in 2025, making it a critical source of visitors.
Canada is the second-largest source market for tourists to Costa Rica. The expansion from Toronto will strengthen employment and productive linkages in Guanacaste and nearby areas.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
With this development, Guanacaste Airport solidifies its position as the leading Costa Rican hub for direct connectivity with Canada. The airport now boasts direct flights from a wide array of Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Calgary, offering unprecedented access for Canadian visitors eager to explore the country’s renowned “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
The transition of the Porter Airlines service from a seasonal experiment to a permanent fixture is more than just an operational update. It represents a sustained economic driver for the Guanacaste region, promising a steady flow of tourism revenue, supporting local businesses, and reinforcing the area’s appeal as a world-class destination accessible at any time of year.
For further information, visit flyporter.com
About Porter Airlines:
Porter Airlines is a Canadian airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Known for its refined passenger experience, the airline has been expanding its network across North America using a modern fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. It offers service to a range of destinations in Canada and the United States, and now, Costa Rica.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Aeropuerto:
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Guanacaste Airport, is the second-busiest airport in Costa Rica. As a member of the VINCI Airports network, it serves as the primary gateway to the country’s popular North Pacific coast, a region famous for its beaches, national parks, and ecotourism. The terminal is committed to providing a high-quality passenger experience and sustainable operations.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the national governing body responsible for the promotion and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic alliances, and marketing initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors and ensuring a high-quality experience.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading institution in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends its deep-rooted experience in advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of innovation, consistently setting new benchmarks in legal practice. Central to its mission is a powerful dedication to the social good, demonstrated through initiatives that make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening the community.
