British Airways will increase its weekly flights to Costa Rica to five from October 2026
The operation will be transferred to Heathrow and will improve connectivity with Europe, increasing seat capacity and air cargo during the winter season
British Airways announced an increase in its flight frequencies to Costa Rica, from three to five weekly flights between October 2026 and March 2027, during the European winter season.
According to the company, flights will operate to Juan Santamaría International Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, consolidating a greater supply of seats and strengthening connectivity between both markets.
As part of this adjustment, the airline will move its operations from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport, considered the UK's main air hub. This change will expand connection options to other European cities and improve cargo capacity.
The increase in frequencies is the result of a negotiation process of approximately two years between the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and AERIS together with the airline, aimed at strengthening the country's air connectivity.
“The increase in flights and the move to Heathrow represent a significant step forward for Costa Rica. This change means greater seat availability and better connections, which we expect will translate into an increase in visitors from the United Kingdom,” said William Rodríguez.
The official also highlighted that the new operating scheme will facilitate connections not only from London, but from various points in Europe, strengthening the country's position in the international market.
For his part, Ricardo Hernández welcomed the airline's decision, emphasizing that Heathrow is a strategic airport for global connectivity. He also indicated that the increased flight frequencies reflect the sector's confidence in Costa Rica as a tourist destination.
Regarding the operation, British Airways detailed that the flights will depart from London at 11:10 am, arriving in Costa Rica at 4:40 pm, while the return flight is scheduled for 6:55 pm, arriving at Heathrow the following day at 11:05 am
The route will be operated with Boeing 787-800 aircraft, with capacity for 204 passengers distributed in three classes: 31 seats in Business, 37 in Premium Economy and 136 in economy class, which will allow serving different segments of demand.
This new route will facilitate more efficient connections both within the UK and to other European capitals, optimizing the travel experience in both directions.
According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the United Kingdom is currently the third largest source of European tourists to Costa Rica. During the first two months of 2026, 15,741 British travelers arrived by air, reflecting a positive trend in demand.
The increased frequencies and the optimization of air connectivity consolidate the link between both destinations, while reinforcing the growth of international tourism to Costa Rica.