Guanacaste Airport inaugurates direct Westjet flight from Vancouver
The new route strengthens the connection between Canada's West Coast and Guanacaste
Guanacaste Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, celebrated this morning the inauguration of the direct Westjet flight, with 153 passengers, from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), thus marking a new step in the expansion of air connectivity between Canada and Costa Rica.
The Vancouver–Guanacaste (YVR–LIR) route will operate every Friday until April 24, 2026, using a B737-8 Max. According to the schedule, the flight arrives in Guanacaste at 9:21 a.m. and departs for the return trip at 10:30 a.m.
To celebrate welcoming the passengers, Guanacaste Airport organized a special reception with live music and gifts, creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate this new route.
“The launch of service between Vancouver and Guanacaste reaffirms WestJet’s commitment to providing Canadians with more opportunities to discover the beauty of Costa Rica. By connecting Canada’s west coast with one of the country’s most attractive destinations, we are proud to be the Canadian airline offering the most direct routes to Guanacaste, making travel more comfortable and affordable for our customers,” said Mike Perkins, WestJet’s Senior Director of Airport Affairs.
This new operation strengthens the connection with Canada's west coast. WestJet thus becomes the Canadian airline with the most direct routes to Guanacaste, including Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), and soon Winnipeg (YWR).
“Every time a new route lands in Guanacaste, it’s not just a plane that arrives: it’s a conversation that continues to grow between communities, travelers, and territories. Connecting Vancouver with Guanacaste opens a bridge that unites two very different coasts, but which share a similar way of seeing the world: with an appreciation for nature, for adventure, and for authentic encounters. We thank WestJet for opening this new segment of that bridge. These connections expand opportunities for the region and allow more people to experience the country with the tranquility and depth that characterize Guanacaste,” said Minister of Tourism William Rodríguez López.
“This achievement reflects the consolidation of our efforts to attract new routes at Guanacaste Airport. The confidence our destination inspires positions us as the main gateway to Costa Rica’s North Pacific for Canadian travelers. These operations strengthen tourism, boost the local economy, and reinforce Guanacaste’s position as a sustainable, adventure, and wellness destination,” stated César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport.
Source: ICT.