Q COSTARICA — Guanacaste Airport, in Liberia (LIR), celebrated the inauguration of WestJet’s direct flight, carrying 153 passengers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), marking a new step in the expansion of air connectivity between Canada and Costa Rica.
The Vancouver–Guanacaste (YVR–LIR) route will operate every Friday until April 24, 2026. According to the schedule, the flight arrives in Guanacaste at 9:21 a.m. and departs at 10:30 a.m.
“The launch of service between Vancouver and Guanacaste reaffirms WestJet’s commitment to providing Canadians with more opportunities to discover the beauty of Costa Rica. By connecting Canada’s west coast with one of the country’s most attractive destinations, we are proud to be the Canadian airline offering the most direct routes to Guanacaste, facilitating more comfortable and accessible travel for our customers,” said Mike Perkins, WestJet’s Senior Director of Airport Affairs.
This new service strengthens the connection with Canada’s west coast.
WestJet now becomes the Canadian airline with the most direct routes to Guanacaste, including Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), and soon, Winnipeg (YWR).
“Every time a new route lands in Guanacaste, it’s not just a plane that arrives: it’s a conversation that continues to grow between communities, travelers, and regions. Connecting Vancouver with Guanacaste opens a bridge that unites two very different coasts, but which share a similar way of seeing the world: with an appreciation for nature, for adventure, and for authentic encounters. We thank WestJet for opening this new section of that bridge. These connections expand opportunities for the region and allow more people to experience the country with the tranquility and depth that characterize Guanacaste,” said Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez.
“This achievement reflects the consolidation of our efforts to attract new routes that we have promoted at Guanacaste Airport. The confidence our destination inspires positions us as the main gateway to the North Pacific of Costa Rica for Canadian travelers. These operations strengthen tourism, boost the local economy, and reinforce Guanacaste’s position as a sustainable, adventure, and wellness destination,” stated César Jaramillo, General Manager of the Guanacaste Airport.