Delta Airlines will connect Detroit with Guanacaste starting in December

Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Guanacaste Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, in conjunction with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), announces the launch of a new international route operated by Delta Airlines connecting Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) with Guanacaste Airport (LIR) beginning December 20, 2025.

The new service will be offered once a week, on Saturdays, aboard a Boeing 737-900 ER with capacity for 180 passengers. With this addition, Guanacaste becomes the only airport in Costa Rica with a direct connection from the city of Detroit, thus expanding the access service to the northern region of the country.

“We are pleased to announce this new Delta operation for the upcoming 2025-2026 peak season. Our route development team continues to reap the benefits of opening direct routes from strategic markets. This new direct flight will allow more tourists to arrive from a wide area with high potential demand. This way, we are driving positive mobility and contributing to the economic development of Guanacaste,” stated César Jaramillo, general manager of Guanacaste Airport.

With this new connection, Delta Airlines strengthens its position as one of the leading airlines moving passengers between the United States and Guanacaste, adding this route to those already operating from Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), and Minneapolis (MSP).

“Attracting airlines and new routes from our main source markets is one of the strategic efforts we place the greatest emphasis on at the Costa Rican Tourism Board. We are pleased to announce this new flight from Detroit, which will connect directly to Costa Rica for the first time. We appreciate Delta's trust in our country as a destination,” said William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.

According to the most recent ICT data, 634,110 American tourists visited Costa Rica by air in the first four months of 2025, consolidating the United States as the country's main source market for travelers.

These visitors primarily enjoy sun and beach experiences, flora and fauna observation, local cuisine, outdoor adventures (such as zip-lining), visits to hot springs, volcanoes, national parks, and surfing.