By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Southwest Airlines confirmed Thursday the launch of a new direct flight to Costa Rica from Nashville, Tennessee, marking the first time any airline will operate this route.
The weekly service is set to commence in March 2026, initially operating on Saturdays for four weeks. Southwest indicated the possibility of extending or increasing the frequency depending on the route’s success and passenger load factors. Flights will depart Nashville International Airport/Berry Field at 9:50 a.m. and arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José, Costa Rica, at 1:05 p.m. Return flights to Nashville are scheduled for later the same day.
For expert legal insight into the implications for Southwest Airlines, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Southwest Airlines’ recent operational challenges highlight the importance of robust contingency planning in the airline industry. From a legal perspective, passenger rights during disruptions are paramount. Airlines operating internationally must adhere to various treaties and regulations regarding compensation for delays and cancellations. Beyond passenger rights, Southwest’s situation also raises questions about contractual obligations with partners and potential liabilities related to disrupted supply chains and business operations. These issues underscore the complex legal landscape airlines navigate and the necessity of proactive legal strategies to mitigate risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights offer a crucial reminder that the complexities of airline operations extend far beyond the tarmac. The legal ramifications of disruptions, impacting passengers, partners, and the broader business ecosystem, underscore the need for proactive and comprehensive legal preparedness in this volatile industry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective.
This new connection is expected to significantly benefit Costa Rica’s tourism sector by tapping into a growing market. The United States remains Costa Rica’s primary source of tourists, with 921,324 American travelers arriving by air in the first half of 2025, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).
We celebrate the opening of this new direct connection between Nashville, Tennessee, and San José, which reinforces our strategy of diversifying markets and facilitating access for more visitors to Costa Rica.
This flight represents an opportunity to bring our country’s tourism offerings closer to a dynamic and growing city, and for more travelers to discover the natural and cultural richness that distinguishes us.
William Rodríguez López, Minister of Tourism
Costa Rica holds a special place in Southwest Airlines’ international network, having been chosen as the airline’s first international destination back in 2015. This year marks a series of anniversaries for Southwest in Costa Rica, including the tenth anniversary of its first flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport in March and the upcoming tenth anniversary of its direct service to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Guanacaste Airport) in November.
Southwest celebrates 10 years of connecting our heart with Costa Ricans and with visitors who seek to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Adam Decaire, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Network Operations Control, Southwest Airlines
The new Nashville route further strengthens Southwest’s presence in Costa Rica and demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to the country’s tourism industry. The added connectivity will provide easier access for American travelers seeking to experience Costa Rica’s renowned natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, while also offering Costa Ricans more travel options to explore the music and cultural scene of Nashville.
The direct flight is poised to generate positive economic impacts for both destinations, boosting tourism and creating opportunities for businesses on both sides. As the route takes flight in 2026, it will be interesting to see how it contributes to the ongoing growth and development of tourism in Costa Rica and further strengthens the ties between the two regions.
For further information, visit southwest.com
About Southwest Airlines:
Southwest Airlines Co. is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and the world’s largest low-cost carrier. Founded in 1967 as Air Southwest, the airline began operating in 1971 and adopted its current name in 1972. Southwest is known for its point-to-point service, no-frills approach, and focus on customer satisfaction. The airline operates a large fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and serves numerous destinations across the United States and several international locations. Southwest has consistently been recognized for its operational efficiency and employee-friendly culture.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT)
About Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is a government agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. The ICT works to market Costa Rica as a premier travel destination, attracting international visitors and fostering sustainable tourism practices. The organization plays a crucial role in managing the country’s tourism image, conducting research, and implementing policies to enhance the visitor experience while preserving Costa Rica’s natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an enduring dedication to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with its commitment to client success across a broad spectrum of industries, solidifies its position as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their proactive engagement in fostering legal literacy demonstrates a deep-rooted belief in building a more just and equitable society.
