Published on Tuesday, October 14, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Viva Aerobus, a Mexican low-cost carrier based in Monterrey, will launch four new nonstop flights between Mexico and Costa Rica, the Tourism Institute (ICT) announced on Monday.

Beginning Oct. 31, Viva will operate four weekly flights between Monterrey International Airport (MTY), the main international airport serving Monterrey,  and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, the institute stated.

"Travelers will gain direct access to Monterrey, one of Mexico’s most important cities for both tourism and business," the ICT added in a statement. "The destination also offers extensive connections to other major cities across Mexico."

According to the airlines, flights will depart from SJO every Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2:20 a.m. local time, arriving in MTY at 6 a.m. local time (GMT-7). The return service will leave MTY at 9:50 p.m. local time (GMT-7), arriving in SJO at 1:20 a.m. local time.

The routes will be operated with Airbus aircraft seating 120 passengers. Fare and reservation details will be available soon on the airline’s official website.

Viva Airways’ entry into the Costa Rican market comes as part of a broader effort to expand air service to the country. Recently, JetBlue Airways, the New York–based low-cost carrier, announced three new nonstop routes between Boston and Costa Rica.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s strongest industries. From January through August, over 2 million travelers arrived in the country by air.

In 2024, the country welcomed over 2.6 million international air arrivals, a 7% increase from the previous year.

The sector also generated more than $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 2024.

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