Breeze Airways will operate for the first time in Costa Rica with a new direct route from Tampa

Costa Rica will gain a new international air connection with the arrival of Breeze Airways, a low-cost US airline that will begin operating in the country on October 3, 2026. The new route will link, for the first time, the city of Tampa, Florida, with Juan Santamaría International Airport.

The service will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 passengers. This addition represents a milestone in the expansion of air connectivity to the destination, as it is the company's first operation in Costa Rica.

The opening of the route is the result of the airline attraction program promoted by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), in conjunction with AERIS and actors in the sector, as part of a strategy aimed at strengthening international access to the country.

From an institutional perspective, it was emphasized that this new direct connection with Tampa strengthens Costa Rica's presence in Florida, a key market due to its high potential for generating international travelers. The initiative is part of a coordinated effort between the public and private sectors to expand connectivity options and consolidate tourism growth.

For their part, representatives of AERIS emphasized that the arrival of Breeze Airways marks a significant step in airport development, by incorporating a new airline into the local market and diversifying travel options for tourists, business travelers, and those traveling for personal reasons.

Network expansion and competitive rates

The new operation also strengthens Breeze's international network from Tampa, doubling the number of international destinations the airline offers from that city. The company aims to combine affordable fares with a differentiated service proposition within the low-cost segment.

According to official information, the initial ticket prices will start at $129 per leg, positioning the route as a competitive alternative for the market.

Founded in 2021, Breeze Airways continues to expand its network, which currently includes more than 300 nonstop routes to 87 cities in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. With the addition of Costa Rica, the country becomes its fifth international destination.

Strategic market for the destination

The launch of this connection comes amid strong demand from the United States, Costa Rica's main source of tourists. During the first two months of the year, more than 329,000 American visitors entered the country by air, reinforcing the importance of this market for the tourism industry.

The addition of new direct routes helps to strengthen this trend, facilitating access and expanding options for travelers interested in the destination.

Recognition of innovation

Breeze Airways was recently recognized by Fast Company as one of the world's most innovative companies in 2025, based on its disruptive approach to the low-cost airline model. It has also received accolades from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and Travel + Leisure, positioning itself among the leading airlines in its segment in North America.

The company's arrival in Costa Rica reinforces the country's commitment to diversifying its air connectivity and consolidating itself as a competitive destination on the international stage.