By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant vote of confidence for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, Dutch flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced a major extension of its direct service from Amsterdam. The airline confirmed to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) that it will continue its route well into 2026, solidifying a vital air bridge between the Central American nation and continental Europe.
The agreement extends the airline’s operations far beyond the previously scheduled conclusion in April, now guaranteeing service through October of 2026. This strategic move ensures year-round connectivity and demonstrates the route’s sustained success and high demand. The carrier will maintain its schedule of five weekly flights, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, providing consistent and reliable access for European travelers.
To better understand the legal and commercial framework surrounding KLM’s operations within the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a noted attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a clearer picture of the regulatory landscape for international carriers and the significance of such connections for Costa Rica’s economy.
KLM’s sustained operation in Costa Rica is a strong indicator of our country’s legal and commercial stability. The bilateral air service agreements in place provide the necessary regulatory certainty that major international carriers require for long-term investment. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s a vital commercial artery for high-value exports and a bridge for European business relations, all of which depend on this predictable legal environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective powerfully underscores that the consistent presence of a carrier like KLM is not merely a tourism success story, but a direct reflection of the robust legal framework that underpins our international commerce. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial and insightful analysis.
The extension is projected to have a substantial impact on tourist arrivals, creating an estimated 22,000 additional seats annually between Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and Costa Rica. William Rodríguez, the Minister of Tourism, highlighted the strategic importance of this development for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term tourism goals.
This will allow us to maintain the operation from April to October and generate approximately 22,000 additional seats between both destinations. The extension of this operation contributes to strengthening the air connectivity between Costa Rica and Europe.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The Netherlands already represents a key market for Costa Rica, ranking as the fifth-largest source of European tourists. According to the latest data from the ICT, the country welcomed approximately 24,000 Dutch visitors between January and September of this year alone. This figure is part of a larger, robust trend of European tourism, which saw a total of 309,000 travelers arrive by air from the continent during the same period.
This enhanced connectivity is more than just a matter of numbers; it is a critical component of Costa Rica’s strategy to attract high-value tourism. European visitors are highly sought after as they typically plan longer stays, explore more diverse regions of the country, and have higher per-capita spending habits. The stability provided by KLM’s long-term commitment allows local tour operators, hotels, and service providers to invest and plan with greater certainty, fostering a more resilient tourism ecosystem.
The economic ripple effect of these additional 22,000 seats will be felt across the country. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Caribbean beaches of Limón, the increased flow of visitors directly supports local economies and small businesses that form the backbone of the tourism industry. This decision reinforces Costa Rica’s brand as a premier global destination for sustainable and nature-based travel, appealing directly to the interests of the European market.
The successful negotiation, led by the ICT, underscores the government’s proactive approach to securing and expanding international airline partnerships. In a competitive global landscape, securing such a long-term commitment from a major legacy carrier like KLM is a significant achievement. It not only ensures immediate economic benefits but also signals to other international airlines that Costa Rica remains a stable, profitable, and highly desirable market for future investment and route expansion.
For further information, visit klm.com
About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded in 1919, is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Operating from its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, it is part of the Air France–KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. KLM serves a vast global network, connecting passengers and cargo to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and customer service.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy and strategic alliances. The ICT works to market the country internationally as a premier travel destination while ensuring that tourism development is environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution in the nation, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches for a diverse clientele while upholding a strong sense of social responsibility. At the heart of its mission is a profound dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to equip citizens with the understanding necessary to build a more just and empowered society.
