By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Canadian airline Porter Airlines is set to launch its inaugural service to Central America, landing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, this December. Direct flights from both Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) will commence just in time for the winter travel season, offering Canadians a convenient escape to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
The Toronto-Guanacaste (LIR) route will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, from December 4, 2025, to March 5, 2026. The Ottawa-Guanacaste (LIR) service will run twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting December 13, 2025, and continuing until March 7, 2026.
To gain further legal insights into this matter, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Porter Airlines’ expansion into Toronto Pearson International Airport presents interesting legal considerations regarding slot allocation, competition with established carriers, and adherence to Canadian aviation regulations. Their business model, focused on regional routes and a premium service, will be tested in this larger, more competitive environment. Success will likely depend on their ability to secure favorable slots and maintain their differentiated offering while managing the complexities of operating at a major international hub.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Porter Airlines’ foray into Pearson represents a significant strategic shift, and their ability to navigate these legal and competitive landscapes will be crucial for their continued success. The premium, regional-focused model has served them well, but the dynamics of a major hub like Pearson present a new set of challenges and opportunities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights into this complex transition.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for both Porter Airlines and Guanacaste Airport. It represents Porter’s first foray into the Central American market and provides Costa Rica with its first direct connection to Ottawa. The flights will be operated using Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, configured with 132 seats in a comfortable two-by-two layout.
Costa Rican Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, expressed enthusiasm about the new routes, highlighting the growing interest in Costa Rica among Canadian travelers. He stated that the recent tour of several Canadian cities confirmed the increasing demand for travel to Costa Rica, and that these new routes will open up more opportunities for Canadians to explore the natural and cultural richness of Guanacaste and the rest of the country.
The arrival of Porter Airlines in Guanacaste is the result of continuous work to strengthen the relationship between Costa Rica and Canada. During our recent tour of several Canadian cities, we confirmed that interest in our country is growing, and these new routes from Toronto and Ottawa open up opportunities for more Canadians to discover the natural and cultural richness of Guanacaste and the entire country.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica
The Canadian market represents a vital segment for Guanacaste Airport, demonstrating consistent growth. César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, emphasized the strategic importance of the Canadian market, noting a 2.6% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, with Toronto as the primary source of tourists. He views these new direct routes as a crucial step in strengthening Guanacaste’s position as a highly desirable destination for Canadian travelers.
Porter Airlines emphasizes its commitment to passenger comfort and experience, offering complimentary wine and beer, premium Canadian snacks, and no middle seats in its economy class across all its markets. Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting at Porter Airlines, expressed excitement about bringing Porter’s renowned hospitality to the Costa Rican market.
The interest of Canadian travelers in Costa Rica is growing progressively and now passengers can enjoy Porter’s award-winning hospitality in all aspects of the flight experience. Porter is the only North American airline that offers complimentary wine and beer, premium Canadian snacks, and no middle seats to all economy class travelers in all the markets it operates in.
Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting
With increasing visitor numbers from Canada, reaching 257,395 air arrivals in 2024 and 147,743 in the first five months of 2025, these new direct flights promise to further boost tourism and strengthen the ties between Canada and Costa Rica.
For further information, visit flyporter.com
About Porter Airlines:
Porter Airlines is a Canadian regional airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Known for its focus on passenger experience, Porter offers complimentary amenities such as wine, beer, and premium snacks, along with a commitment to no middle seats in its economy class. The airline primarily serves destinations in Canada and the United States.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Airport:
Guanacaste Airport (LIR), a member of the VINCI Airports network, serves the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is a key entry point for tourists visiting the region’s popular beaches and resorts. The airport is committed to connecting Guanacaste with the world and enhancing its appeal as a premier tourist destination.
For further information, visit visitcostarica.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the Costa Rican Tourism Board, responsible for promoting and developing tourism in the country. The ICT collects and analyzes tourism data, implements marketing strategies, and works to strengthen Costa Rica’s position as a leading travel destination.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its fabric, demonstrated through proactive initiatives that demystify legal complexities and equip individuals with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape confidently. This dedication to transparency and accessibility underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s enduring pursuit of a more just and informed society.
