New International Routes Offset Latin American Flight Suspensions
San José, Costa Rica — October 13, 2025 — Costa Rica’s air travel network is undergoing major changes as several Latin American carriers suspend operations, even as new international routes from Canada, Mexico, and Europe signal continued global interest in the country’s booming tourism industry.
According to The Tico Times, GOL Linhas Aéreas of Brazil, Wingo from Colombia, and Avianca are among the carriers pulling back on select regional routes to and from Costa Rica, while North American and European airlines prepare to expand service for the upcoming high travel season.
The adjustments reflect a broader shift in the aviation landscape — one that could redefine Costa Rica’s connectivity over the next year.
Latin Airlines Cut Routes Amid Market Pressures
The first major change comes from Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aéreas, which will discontinue its São Paulo–San José route on November 29, less than a year after its launch. The route, operated three times weekly with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, was instrumental in bringing a wave of Brazilian travelers to Costa Rica’s beaches and rainforests.
GOL cited “network realignment” as the reason behind the suspension but emphasized it remains committed to international expansion.
Similarly, Colombia’s low-cost carrier Wingo will halt its Bogotá–San José flights after October 28, 2025. The airline has operated this route since 2019 and described the change as part of a broader capacity adjustment to optimize performance.
Meanwhile, Avianca is scaling back service in Central America, ending flights between San José and San Juan (Puerto Rico) and San José and Managua (Nicaragua) later this month. The company said these decisions were driven by route performance reviews, as it redirects aircraft to higher-demand destinations.
These reductions follow earlier changes from Volaris, which ended its San José–Tulum connection in September after a brief run.
Together, these shifts signal tighter competition and shifting economics across Latin American aviation — even as Costa Rica remains one of the region’s most resilient markets.
North America and Europe Step Up
While regional connectivity tightens, airlines from North America and Europe are doubling down on Costa Rica’s global appeal.
From Mexico, low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus will begin flying Monterrey–San José on October 30, opening a new corridor for both business and leisure travelers from northern Mexico.
Canada is also expanding its footprint in Costa Rica. WestJet will resume its Vancouver and Winnipeg seasonal routes to San José from December 12, 2025, through April 25, 2026. Meanwhile, Porter Airlines will debut flights from Toronto and Ottawa beginning December 4, operating three times weekly until March 5, 2026.
From Europe, Air France plans to increase service between Paris and San José, adding extra flights during two key travel windows — December 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and February 9 to March 15, 2026.
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), these additions will help sustain visitor growth throughout the 2025–2026 high season, especially as northern travelers seek tropical destinations during the winter months.
Costa Rica Remains a Top Destination
Despite the loss of several Latin connections, Costa Rica’s tourism officials remain optimistic. Hermes Navarro, head of connectivity and investment at the ICT, noted that the country is now served by every major airline from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and enjoys strong demand from Europe.
“Costa Rica is one of the best-connected destinations in Latin America,” Navarro said. “While some regional routes are shifting, our strategic partnerships with North America and Europe continue to strengthen our position as a global tourism hub.”
From January to August 2025, Brazilian visitor arrivals grew 26.5%, driven largely by the now-ending GOL route. Industry experts believe that new flights from Canada and Europe will help balance any short-term declines in regional travel.
The Outlook: Balancing Change and Opportunity
Travel analysts predict that these route shifts could slightly alter Costa Rica’s visitor demographics — with fewer Latin American travelers but stronger inflows from long-haul markets. Airlines such as WestJet, Porter, and Air France are betting that Costa Rica’s reputation as an eco-luxury and adventure destination will continue to attract travelers from colder climates.
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, the nation’s airports — including Juan Santamaría International (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International (LIR) — are preparing for record activity.
For now, Costa Rica remains a case study in resilience: even as some paths close, new ones open, ensuring the country’s skies stay vibrant and globally connected.
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