Guanacaste Airport and Southwest Airlines celebrate 10 years of operations
In this decade, nearly half a million passengers visited Guanacaste with Southwest
Guanacaste Airport and Southwest Airlines are celebrating the airline's tenth anniversary of operations today with a special activity for passengers on flight WN817 from Houston.
Upon arrival, the 172 passengers and crew were welcomed in a festive Guanacastecan atmosphere, with live music, folk dances, and received a gift from the airport.
On November 1, 2015, Southwest inaugurated the Houston–Guanacaste (HOU–LIR) route with daily service. A week later, on November 7, the airline added the Baltimore–Guanacaste (BWI–LIR) connection with a weekly flight.
Currently, Southwest has direct flights from Houston (HOU), Baltimore (BWI) and Denver (DEN), allowing daily connections with almost 90 more airports and thus consolidating its presence as one of the main US operators in the Guanacaste region.
According to Coriport statistics, nearly half a million passengers have arrived at Guanacaste Airport on Southwest flights this decade, contributing to the region's positioning as a preferred destination for travelers from the North American market. Furthermore, thanks to its dynamism and growth, the Southwest station at LIR employs approximately 60 local staff members.
“Southwest Airlines is celebrating a decade of connection with Costa Rica and its warm hospitality. Since our first flight landed at Guanacaste Airport on November 1, 2015, we have been bringing the breathtaking beauty of destinations like Arenal, Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Peninsula within easy reach of travelers on the largest domestic airline in the United States. We are very grateful for the strong partnership we have built with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and Guanacaste Airport, key partners in offering our air service through our unique network of airports in the United States. Congratulations and pura vida!” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines.
“This anniversary represents a shared achievement that reflects confidence, growth, and a long-term vision. At Guanacaste Airport, we are visionaries committed to positive mobility, sustainable connectivity, and a first-class travel experience for all our visitors, as the pillars of VINCI Airports. Having partners like Southwest, who align with these ideas, is essential to driving growth in the tourism sector,” highlighted César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport.
Source: VINCI Airports.