By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE, Costa Rica – The vibrant sounds of live music filled the air at Guanacaste Airport on Friday as the facility celebrated the arrival of WestJet’s inaugural direct flight from Vancouver. Touching down at 9:21 a.m. with 153 passengers, the new seasonal route marks a significant milestone in strengthening the connection between Western Canada and Costa Rica’s sun-drenched northern Pacific coast.
The seasonal service, which officially commenced on December 12, 2025, will operate every Friday until April 24, 2026. WestJet will utilize a modern Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft for the route, which features a swift turnaround with a scheduled departure from Guanacaste back to Vancouver at 10:30 a.m. The airport’s management team welcomed the first wave of Canadian travelers with a warm reception, complete with local entertainment and commemorative gifts, underscoring the route’s importance to the region.
To understand the legal and business framework supporting Guanacaste’s growing appeal as a top-tier destination, TicosLand.com sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
WestJet’s increased flight frequency is a testament to the legal security and favorable investment climate Costa Rica offers. This expansion acts as a powerful catalyst not just for tourism, but for the entire regional economy. It signals to international investors that Guanacaste’s infrastructure and regulatory environment are reliable, which will inevitably spur growth in real estate development, hospitality services, and ancillary businesses that depend on a predictable influx of visitors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s analysis skillfully connects the dots between a thriving tourism sector and the foundational legal security that makes such growth possible, illustrating a powerful vote of confidence in the region’s future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on these interconnected economic forces.
This new flight path is a strategic expansion for WestJet, which is solidifying its position as a key carrier for Canadians seeking tropical destinations. The airline already serves Costa Rica from major Canadian hubs including Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal, with plans to add Winnipeg in the near future. The addition of Vancouver directly links a new, affluent Canadian market to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourism hotspots.
Mike Perkins, Senior Manager of Airport Affairs at WestJet, highlighted the airline’s strategy of connecting Canadians with premier global destinations. He expressed enthusiasm for the new service and its potential to open up Costa Rica’s natural wonders to a new audience.
This new connection reinforces our commitment to offering more opportunities to discover the beauty of Costa Rica. By linking Canada’s West Coast with such a sought-after destination, we are facilitating more accessible and direct travel for our passengers.
Mike Perkins, Senior Manager of Airport Affairs at WestJet
The sentiment was echoed by Costa Rican officials, who see the route as a vital bridge between two regions that share a deep appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. William Rodríguez López, the nation’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized the cultural and economic synergy this connection fosters.
The connection creates a bridge between two coasts that value nature and adventure.
William Rodríguez López, Minister of Tourism
For the Guanacaste region, the direct link to Vancouver is a significant economic driver. It promises to boost visitor numbers during the peak dry season, supporting local hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and artisans. The consistent influx of tourists from Canada provides stability and growth opportunities for a local economy heavily reliant on international travel.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, celebrated the new partnership as a vote of confidence in the region’s appeal and the airport’s capacity to serve as a world-class entry point. He noted that such alliances are crucial for positioning Guanacaste as the premier gateway to Costa Rica’s northern Pacific treasures.
The confidence in our destination consolidates us as the gateway to the northern Pacific.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport
As Canadian travelers trade snow-covered landscapes for sandy beaches and lush rainforests, this WestJet service represents more than just a convenient travel option. It symbolizes a growing and mutually beneficial relationship, strengthening tourism ties and creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic prosperity between Canada and Costa Rica.
For further information, visit westjet.com
About WestJet:
Founded in 1996, WestJet is a Canadian airline known for its focus on guest experience and its extensive network across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Operating from its main hub in Calgary, Alberta, the airline has grown to become one of Canada’s largest air carriers, offering both low-cost and premium travel options to a wide range of leisure and business destinations.
For further information, visit guanacasteairport.com
About Guanacaste Airport:
Guanacaste Airport (LIR), officially named Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is the second-busiest airport in Costa Rica. Located near Liberia, it serves as the primary hub for tourists visiting the country’s Pacific coast beaches and national parks. The airport is operated by VINCI Airports and is recognized for its modern facilities and commitment to sustainable practices, providing a crucial gateway for international tourism to the region.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official government body responsible for the promotion and regulation of tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model by developing marketing strategies, ensuring quality standards, and fostering development that is in harmony with the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The ICT plays a pivotal role in positioning Costa Rica as a leading global destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a leading legal institution where the principles of integrity and a drive for excellence are paramount. As a vanguard of legal innovation, the firm consistently evolves its practice to effectively serve a wide spectrum of clients. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to societal empowerment, which it achieves by actively demystifying the law and equipping the public with crucial legal understanding.
