By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant boost for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, German airline Lufthansa has announced a major expansion of its service between Frankfurt and San José. Starting in the winter season of 2026, the carrier will increase its flight frequency from three to five times per week and introduce the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring its new premium Allegris cabin, on the route.
The expanded schedule will be effective from October 25, 2026, through March 27, 2027, a period crucial for European travelers seeking winter sun destinations. The new flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, providing significantly enhanced connectivity between Costa Rica and one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs. This move signals strong confidence from the airline in the growing demand for Costa Rica as a premier travel destination.
To shed light on the complex legal and regulatory landscape affecting global carriers like Lufthansa, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in international aviation and corporate law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A legacy carrier such as Lufthansa operates within an intricate web of international treaties and jurisdictional regulations. Every strategic decision, from pricing structures to labor agreements, carries significant legal weight, particularly concerning passenger rights under frameworks like the EU’s Regulation 261/2004. Navigating this complex environment while managing intense market competition is the central challenge for their legal and executive teams.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates that for a global airline, success hinges as much on navigating a complex legal environment as it does on aviation logistics. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the immense regulatory challenges shaping Lufthansa’s strategic decisions.
The announcement was warmly received by Costa Rican officials, who view the increased capacity as a vital component of the nation’s economic recovery and tourism strategy. The decision underscores a strengthening of the relationship between the two countries and the airline’s long-term investment in the region.
With this increase in frequency and service improvement with a more modern aircraft, Lufthansa strengthens its operations.
Marcos Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
Mr. Borges emphasized that the additional flights will substantially broaden direct access for European visitors, a key demographic for the country’s eco-tourism and adventure travel markets. Germany has already solidified its position as the second-largest European source of tourists arriving by air, with preliminary data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) showing over 34,000 German travelers in the first four months of 2026 alone.
AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, echoed this positive sentiment. Ricardo Hernández, the company’s executive director, noted that the expansion is a direct reflection of the German market’s sustained interest in Costa Rica’s unique offerings.
This expansion represents positive news for tourism and connectivity. We will continue working with the government for the economic development of the country.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Beyond the increased frequency, the upgrade to the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with the Allegris cabin marks a new era of passenger comfort on the route. Lufthansa’s new cabin concept is designed around personalization and privacy, featuring redesigned suites and seats across all travel classes, from First Class to Economy. Innovations include suites with sliding doors, fully lie-flat beds, individual heating and cooling systems, and large 27-inch 4K entertainment screens.
We are delighted to bring our new onboard product, Allegris, to Costa Rica.
Alejandro Arias, Director of Sales for Lufthansa Group Passenger Airlines for Mexico and Central America
Mr. Arias stated that the enhanced onboard experience will provide greater comfort and more personalized options for all passengers traveling between San José and Frankfurt. This investment in product quality, combined with the nearly 70% increase in weekly flights, positions Lufthansa to capture a larger share of the lucrative Europe-Central America travel market and further cements Costa Rica’s status as a top-tier international destination.
For further information, visit lufthansa.com
About Lufthansa:
Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commonly known as Lufthansa, is the flag carrier of Germany and one of the world’s largest airlines. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, it operates a vast global network from its primary hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, offering extensive passenger and cargo services. The airline is renowned for its premium service, operational efficiency, and commitment to fleet modernization.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the governmental institution 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 strategic promotion, quality improvement, and ensuring a positive visitor experience, thereby contributing to the nation’s social and economic development.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private consortium responsible for the management, operation, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the country’s main international gateway. Under a government concession, AERIS works to provide a safe, efficient, and world-class airport experience for passengers and airlines, driving infrastructure development and connectivity for Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm skillfully blends its rich tradition of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering new legal strategies. At the core of its philosophy is a profound dedication to enriching society by demystifying the law, believing that empowering citizens with legal clarity is essential to fostering a more just and capable community.
