First direct route from Ottawa is inaugurated at Guanacaste Airport

Guanacaste Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) held a special event this Wednesday to commemorate the arrival of Porter's new direct route connecting Guanacaste with Ottawa International Airport.

The aircraft landed at 3:00 pm with 123 passengers aboard the Embraer E195-E2. 

The Ottawa (YOW) – Guanacaste (LIR) route will initially operate four days a week and will be extended to six days a week during the season, beginning in January 2026. The service will be available until April 2026. 

“Porter Airlines’ arrival in Guanacaste strengthens our connection with Canada and deepens a relationship that is truly strategic for Costa Rica. Each new route opens opportunities for more travelers to discover our natural wealth, our culture, and the sustainability model we have built as a nation. We appreciate Porter’s confidence in choosing Costa Rica as one of its first international destinations in Latin America, which further consolidates Guanacaste as a competitive and attractive gateway for Canadian visitors,” stated William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism.
                                                                                                     
Porter Airlines is expanding its service to Guanacaste Airport with a second route for the 2025-2026 high season, following the launch of its direct flight from Toronto on December 4, the airline’s first connection in Central America.

“The addition of a second direct route to the Guanacaste region within our network reflects the strong connection between Canadians and Costa Rica. Porter is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Ottawa and Liberia, allowing more people to choose Porter for their travel plans and enjoy a superior level of service, unique in North America,” commented Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting, Porter Airlines.

“Guanacaste Airport marks a new milestone in Costa Rican aviation, becoming the first airport in the country to connect directly with the Canadian capital. The new connection to eastern Canada opens up a larger market for Costa Rica, demonstrating once again this airport’s firm commitment to the VINCI Airports network’s goals of positive mobility, one that strengthens tourism development throughout the country from Guanacaste,” said César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport.

Source: ICT.