By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant boost for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has confirmed it will operate its Amsterdam to San José route year-round starting in 2026. The airline will offer five weekly flights, a move that establishes a continuous air bridge between the Netherlands and the Central American nation and is projected to add 22,000 additional airline seats annually.
The strategic decision was officially communicated on Tuesday, November 4th, during a high-level meeting at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the globe’s most influential travel industry events. Representing the KLM–Air France group were Emile Arnst and Valérie Alexanian, who met with a Costa Rican delegation led by Minister of Tourism William Rodríguez and Hermes Navarro, the Head of Connectivity and Investment Attraction for the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial framework supporting KLM’s operations in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued success of a major carrier like KLM in Costa Rica is a strong indicator of our nation’s legal certainty and adherence to international aviation conventions. It demonstrates a stable environment for foreign investment while guaranteeing that travelers benefit from a dual layer of consumer protection—our national regulations and the robust standards mandated by the European Union.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a vital point: a stable legal environment is not just an abstract benefit for investors, but a tangible advantage for every passenger. The assurance of robust, dual-layered consumer protection is a cornerstone of our nation’s appeal in the global travel market. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
Minister Rodríguez lauded the agreement as a pivotal step in strengthening the nation’s ties with a key continent for tourism. The move underscores the growing confidence major international carriers have in Costa Rica as a premier global destination.
By expanding the operation, we contribute to strengthening the air connectivity between Costa Rica and Europe
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
Previously a seasonal service, KLM’s commitment now extends the route to cover the April to October period, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the year. The five weekly flights are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The airline will utilize its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the transatlantic journey, known for its fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort.
According to preliminary flight schedules released by the airline, the service is designed for convenient connections. The inbound flight from Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS) is set to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) at 5:10 p.m. local time. The return leg will depart from San José at 8:35 p.m., arriving back in the Netherlands the following day.
This expansion targets a strategically vital market for Costa Rica. The Netherlands currently ranks as the fifth-largest source of European tourists for the country. Data from the ICT reveals that between January and September of 2025, Costa Rica welcomed 24,269 Dutch visitors by air. This figure is part of a larger influx of 309,710 European tourists who arrived via aerial routes during the same period, highlighting the continent’s importance to the national economy.
KLM’s announcement is the latest in a series of positive developments for Costa Rica’s European air links, particularly from the Air France-KLM group. It follows a recent decision by Air France to increase its own frequencies, which will see the carrier operate a record nine weekly flights between Paris and San José from December 2025 to March 2026. Together, these enhancements create an unprecedented level of connectivity between Costa Rica and Europe.
The combined effect of these increased services from both partner airlines solidifies the group’s position as a dominant force in connecting Europe with Costa Rica. This sustained commitment not only facilitates tourism but also opens new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, promising a significant and lasting positive impact on the nation’s continued growth and international standing.
For further information, visit klm.com
About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V., known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Headquartered in Amstelveen, with its hub at nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, it is a part of the Air France–KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. KLM operates a global network, serving destinations worldwide with a focus on passenger and cargo transport.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the government body responsible for promoting and regulating tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic planning, and alliances. The ICT works to attract international visitors, improve the quality of tourism services, and ensure that tourism development benefits local communities while preserving the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit airfrance.com
About Air France:
Air France is the flag carrier of France, headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance and a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group. The airline operates a vast global network, connecting passengers and cargo to hundreds of destinations across the globe from its primary hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on an unshakeable foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges its profound history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering legal innovation and engaging deeply with the public. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, striving to foster a more capable and informed society by making legal wisdom accessible to all.
