Guanacaste continues its tourism boom with the announcement of a major new air connection. Porter Airlines is launching the first direct flights in its history to Central America, linking Ottawa and Toronto to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. The move marks an important milestone for Canadian travelers and an excellent opportunity for those dreaming of exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
The Ottawa–Liberia flight officially becomes the first-ever direct route between the Canadian capital and Costa Rica. Service will begin on December 17, 2025, with two weekly flights—Wednesdays and Saturdays—running until April 11, 2026. The Toronto–Liberia route will launch earlier, on December 4, 2025, offering three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays through March 5, 2026.
The flights will be operated with the Embraer E195-E2, a modern 132-seat aircraft known for its efficiency and comfort. On board, passengers will enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, a quiet cabin, a streamlined service experience, and a seamless connection to the Pacific Coast with no layovers. One-way fares start at approximately CAD 266, an attractive option for travelers looking to avoid lengthy stopovers in other North American airports.
According to César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, the Canadian market remains one of the most dynamic and strategic for the region. He notes that this new connection is a regional first and further strengthens the presence of Canadian carriers. “Canada has shown remarkable momentum in recent years, with steady growth in 2025 and strong projections for 2026,” he emphasized.
The announcement is also generating excitement among travelers. Marie-Claude Tremblay, an Ottawa resident who frequently visits Costa Rica, welcomed the news: “For us, this is a game changer. A direct flight means more time on the beaches of Guanacaste and less time in airports. It gives us much easier access to a destination we love deeply.”
With the addition of Porter Airlines, Liberia becomes the best-connected Costa Rican airport to Canada, now serving Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Two more routes will open in December through WestJet, from Vancouver on December 12 and Winnipeg on December 20.
For the 2025–2026 high season, Liberia Airport will offer 26 direct destinations from the United States, Canada, and Europe, operated by 12 airlines. Authorities anticipate sustained growth in passenger traffic, driven by the strong presence of Canadian travelers, historically among the most loyal visitors to Costa Rica.
Liberia Airport is also continuing its efforts to enhance the arrival experience: improved immigration processing, upgraded facilities, quick access to nearby tourist areas, and services tailored to families as well as active travelers. These improvements reflect Guanacaste’s growing importance in the country’s tourism economy.
Canadian travelers are advised to check the validity of their passports—at least six months beyond their return date—and to review current entry requirements. The airline also recommends confirming flight schedules during the high season.
By strengthening the connection between Canada and Costa Rica, Porter Airlines is opening new opportunities for tourism and future commercial exchanges. The launch of these routes confirms a promising 2025–2026 season for Guanacaste, where improved connectivity is expected to attract a steady flow of visitors through April.
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