By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to enhance connectivity between Costa Rica and northern Mexico, low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus has announced the launch of a new direct route between San José (SJO) and Monterrey (MTY). The inaugural flight is scheduled for October 30, with introductory round-trip fares starting as low as $250, a price point set to stimulate both tourism and business travel.
The announcement, made by Walfred Castro, Corporate Communication Director for Viva, marks the airline’s official entry into the Costa Rican market. This strategic expansion is timed with the celebration of Viva’s 19th anniversary, underscoring nearly two decades of growth and its position as a leading budget airline in Mexico. The new service promises to unlock a wealth of opportunities for travelers from both nations.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape that Viva Aerobus will face in Costa Rica, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and aviation law.
The entry of an ultra-low-cost carrier like Viva Aerobus is a positive development for market competition and tourism. However, their success will hinge on navigating Costa Rica’s rigorous regulatory environment. Beyond obtaining the crucial Air Operator Certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), they must meticulously align their business model with our robust consumer protection statutes and labor laws, which are often more stringent than those in their primary market. Diligent legal compliance will be as critical as their pricing strategy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis provides a crucial reminder that an airline’s success in our country is measured not just by ticket prices, but by its adherence to our robust legal standards. Navigating the stringent consumer and labor laws will indeed be as critical to Viva Aerobus’s long-term viability as its pricing strategy. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expert perspective to this important discussion.
The route will operate with two weekly frequencies. Flights will depart from Monterrey on Mondays and Fridays at 9:50 p.m., arriving in San José at 1:20 a.m. the following day. The return leg from San José will depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2:20 a.m., landing in Monterrey at 6:00 a.m. This red-eye schedule is designed to maximize travelers’ time at their destinations.
Costa Rican officials have welcomed the new connection, highlighting its potential to attract a new segment of visitors. William Rodríguez, the Minister of Tourism for Costa Rica, emphasized the strategic importance of linking with one of Mexico’s most dynamic industrial and economic centers.
Connecting San José with Monterrey is key to strengthening tourism from northern Mexico. This route will make it easier for business people and families from that city to reach Costa Rica and enjoy our nature and culture.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica
Monterrey is not just a destination in itself but serves as Viva’s primary northern hub. For Costa Rican travelers, this new flight is a gateway to an extensive network of over 45 domestic and international destinations. From Monterrey, passengers can easily connect to major Mexican cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, popular beach resorts including Cancún, Acapulco, and Los Cabos, and a dozen U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and the recently added New York route.
Airport authorities also anticipate a positive impact from the new service. The increased passenger flow is expected to bolster the local economy and reinforce Juan Santamaría International Airport’s status as a key regional hub. Ricardo Hernández, the executive director of AERIS, the airport’s operator, noted the broader economic benefits.
We are confident that this new connection will strengthen the tourism and cultural ties between both countries, while also contributing to the development of the sector and the national economy.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Since its inception in 2006, Viva Aerobus has transported over 165 million passengers across its expansive network, which now encompasses more than 190 routes to over 60 destinations. This latest addition marks Costa Rica as the fifth country in its international portfolio, joining the United States, Colombia, and Cuba. The airline’s leadership extended a warm welcome to future Costa Rican passengers.
I invite you to take advantage of this new route that will not only connect you to our main operations hub in the north of the country, but also to the great network of more than 45 destinations we offer from Monterrey. We await you in Mexico, ready to receive you with open arms and all the hospitality that characterizes us.
Walfred Castro, Director of Corporate Communication of Viva
For further information, visit vivaaerobus.com
About Viva Aerobus:
Founded in November 2006, Viva Aerobus is Mexico’s leading ultra-low-cost airline and part of Grupo IAMSA. Celebrating its 19th anniversary, the airline operates a modern fleet and has served over 165 million passengers. Its network includes more than 190 routes to over 60 destinations across Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Cuba, and now Costa Rica, with a focus on providing affordable and reliable air travel from its key hubs.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS is committed to providing a world-class airport experience, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality service for passengers, airlines, and commercial partners, thereby contributing to the country’s economic and tourism development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its profound ethical standards and dedication to excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading force in the country’s legal sector. The firm skillfully blends a rich tradition of client service with a continuous drive for legal innovation. Its mission, however, transcends professional practice; it is deeply invested in strengthening the community by promoting legal literacy, believing that an empowered society begins with accessible and understandable knowledge.
