WestJet Airlines, a major Canadian carrier based in Calgary, has announced the launch of two new nonstop routes connecting Canada with Costa Rica.

Beginning in December, WestJet will operate the first-ever direct flight between Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) in Manitoba and the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)  in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

In addition, the airline will offer new nonstop service between Guanacaste airport (LIR) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia.

According to the airline, the Vancouver–Guanacaste flights will depart every Friday at 10:30 a.m., while the Winnipeg–Guanacaste service will depart every Saturday at 7 a.m. Both routes will be operated using Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, which seat 189 passengers.

“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, WestJet’s Senior Manager of Airport Affairs. “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.”

Further details about the new flights will be available soon on WestJet’s official website.

WestJet becomes the second Canadian airline to expand service to Costa Rica in recent months. Porter Airlines, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, recently announced new international routes connecting Guanacaste with Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Mississauga and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW).

Canada remains Costa Rica’s second-largest source of international visitors and continues to show strong potential for growth. Between January and May 2025, more than 147,000 Canadian tourists visited Costa Rica, according to data from the Tourism Institute (ICT).

As of April 2025, Costa Rica reported over 1 million international air arrivals, reflecting strong demand from global travelers.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy. In 2024, the country recorded over 2.6 million international air arrivals, a 7% increase from the previous year.

The tourism sector also generated more than $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings, according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

The ICT, the government agency responsible for tourism promotion, continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to support rising international interest and enhance the traveler experience.

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