Two new routes from Canada will connect to Guanacaste Airport starting in December

Guanacaste Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, together with the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), announces the launch of two new air routes operated by Westjet from the Canadian airports of Vancouver (YVR) and Winnipeg (YWG).

The flights will be available beginning December 12 and will run until April 25, 2026. The flights will be operated on a B737-8 Max with a 189-seat capacity.
"The Costa Rican Tourism Board welcomes the confirmation of the opening of two direct flights by the Canadian airline Westjet, from the cities of Vancouver and Winnipeg. The opening of these routes is the result of the joint efforts of the airline attraction strategy and new routes with CORIPORT, and confirms the growing interest in the Canadian market, our second largest source market for tourists to Costa Rica," stated William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.

He highlights the high level of interest among Canadians in the tourism industry, offering renewing and regenerative experiences amidst unique natural settings and the vast biodiversity offered by Guanacaste, surrounding areas, and Costa Rica as a whole.

Minister Rodríguez expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in WestJet. “The increased connectivity to a city like Vancouver, which hosts thousands of travelers with a strong interest in flying to Costa Rica, coupled with the advent of an unprecedented connection to Winnipeg, will strengthen tourism chains, create jobs, and foster social progress for the communities that will benefit.”

“WestJet is delighted to add Guanacaste Airport to its network from Winnipeg and Vancouver, deepening our commitment to serving the diverse and vibrant regions of Costa Rica,” said Mike Perkins, Senior Manager of Airport Affairs at WestJet.

"The new routes improve access to sunny and culturally rich Liberia, offering our passengers a unique gateway to world-class experiences. We look forward to working closely with local partners to ensure the success of this new route and welcoming guests on board."

Guanacaste currently has direct flights to Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary. Starting in December, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver will be added, positioning Guanacaste as the airport with the largest air connectivity offering between Costa Rica and Canada.

"We are pleased to announce this expansion, which strengthens air connectivity between our countries and reflects our deep understanding of the preferences of Canadian travelers. Guanacaste continues to stand out as a high-value destination, with diverse tourism experiences that resonate strongly with this market. As we head into the peak season, we continue to strive for positive mobility and are proud to be the airport with the largest number of direct connections between Costa Rica and various cities in Canada," said César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport.

According to the most recent data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, 147,743 Canadian tourists arrived by air between January and May 2025. At Guanacaste Airport, Canada is the most dynamic international market for visitors to the terminal.

Source: ICT.