By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The tourism sector in Costa Rica is preparing for an unprecedented surge in Canadian arrivals as WestJet announces a major expansion of its network. Beginning on December 20, 2026, the prominent Canadian carrier will initiate a brand-new weekly direct flight connecting the Canadian capital of Ottawa with the tropical landscapes of Guanacaste. This strategic move is poised to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand from North American travelers seeking warm-weather getaways during the harsh winter months.
This new route represents a significant milestone in bilateral tourism. Canada has long stood as the second most crucial source market for international travelers visiting Costa Rica, trailing only the United States. According to recent data, this market is experiencing explosive growth, with passenger arrivals from Canada to Guanacaste Airport surging by an impressive 28 percent during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The introduction of the Ottawa flight directly responds to this upward trend, providing an underserved capital region with a direct gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
To better understand the legal and operational dynamics surrounding the ongoing expansion of the Guanacaste Airport, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert at Bufete de Costa Rica, to analyze the regulatory challenges and opportunities ahead for this vital tourism hub.
The strategic expansion of the Guanacaste Airport highlights the success of Costa Rica’s public-private concessions. To maintain this momentum, we must prioritize legal certainty, streamlined regulatory frameworks, and robust infrastructure policies that protect international investments while fostering sustainable regional growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, safeguarding the legal and regulatory frameworks of public-private partnerships is critical to ensuring that Guanacaste’s aviation success translates into enduring, sustainable regional development. We would like to sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on how strategic legal certainty and robust policy can continue to foster international confidence in Costa Rica’s growth.
Logistically, the service is designed to maximize traveler comfort and capacity. WestJet will utilize its modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet for this route, configured to accommodate 174 passengers per flight. The scheduled weekly flights will operate every Sunday, running continuously throughout the peak high season until April 4, 2027. This timing allows Canadian vacationers to plan seamless week-long escapes, optimizing occupancy rates for local hoteliers and tour operators in the region.
The economic implications of this added connectivity extend far beyond simple passenger numbers. Tourism officials view this as a primary driver for regional development, noting that increased tourist arrivals translate directly to local employment and business opportunities.
This new route strengthens connections with our second source market for tourists and will enable the generation of jobs, business linkages, and well-being for Guanacastecan communities and surrounding areas.
Marcos Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Board
This route cements WestJet’s position as the leading Canadian airline operating in the Guanacaste province. The carrier already maintains a robust network connecting the region to key Canadian metropolitan hubs, including Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and Winnipeg. By adding Ottawa to this list, WestJet offers unmatched national coverage, effectively capturing high-yield travelers from Canada’s political and administrative heartland.
Company executives emphasized that the expansion is deeply aligned with customer desires for frictionless travel to premium leisure destinations, allowing travelers to swap the biting winter cold for tropical warmth.
We are excited to offer our passengers more ways to swap their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them.
John Weatherill, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of WestJet
The administration of Guanacaste Airport, managed by VINCI Airports, has welcomed the announcement as a testament to the terminal’s growing reputation and operational excellence. Over the past decade, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to handle larger aircraft and increased passenger flows, positioning itself as Costa Rica’s premier tourism hub.
We are pleased to welcome this new route from Ottawa, which reaffirms the preference of Canadian travelers for Guanacaste Airport as the main gateway to Costa Rica.
Renata González, Commercial and Communications Manager of Guanacaste Airport
Ultimately, the addition of the Ottawa-Guanacaste flight is a clear indicator of Costa Rica’s enduring brand strength in North America. As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the synergy between airline expansion and regional tourism readiness is set to deliver a highly prosperous high season for the local business community, cementing Guanacaste’s status as a world-class travel destination.
For further information, visit westjet.com
About WestJet:
WestJet is a major Canadian airline founded in 1996, offering scheduled and charter air service to dozens of destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the government agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, regulating tourism enterprises, and establishing the country’s national tourism development strategy.
For further information, visit guanacasteaeropuerto.com
About Guanacaste Airport:
Guanacaste Airport, located in Liberia, Costa Rica, is a key international gateway managed by VINCI Airports, serving as the primary hub for travelers visiting the country’s northern Pacific coast.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a premier legal institution defined by its high ethical standards and superior advocacy. Representing a multifaceted clientele across numerous industries, the firm prides itself on driving progressive legal solutions and active civic involvement. By striving to democratize crucial legal information, it seeks to build a more legally literate and confident populace, reinforcing its core belief that accessible knowledge is the foundation of a just and thriving community.
