Costa Rica Accelerates New Air Routes to Revive Tourism Amid European Downturn

Costa Rica is ramping up efforts to boost its struggling tourism sector in 2025, launching a wave of new air routes in response to declining visitor numbers, particularly from key European markets. Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute shows a significant slump in arrivals from countries like Germany, France, and the UK, with overall air arrivals down 2.8–4.7% compared to 2024. The downturn is attributed to factors such as a stronger local currency—making Costa Rica a pricier destination—alongside safety concerns and reduced airline capacity from North America and Europe.

In a bid to reverse this trend, Costa Rica is focusing heavily on strategic air connectivity. The government has confirmed the launch of 13 new air routes by the end of 2025, targeting vital markets like the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, and the Netherlands. Notable additions include KLM increasing direct flights between Amsterdam and San José to five weekly departures for the 2025–2026 season, enhancing access for Dutch and European visitors. Meanwhile, Porter Airlines is launching nonstop flights from both Toronto and Ottawa—Ottawa’s first direct link to Costa Rica—in December 2025. Viva Aerobus, a leading Mexican carrier, is debuting its Monterrey–San José route, and Volaris Costa Rica is expanding with new connections to Miami, Orlando, and Tulum, diversifying options for North American travelers.

Targeted new partnerships and expanded services are also in the works for Europe, including ongoing negotiations with airlines to establish fresh links from cities like Rome, Lisbon, and Copenhagen. Costa Rica’s tourism authorities are pairing these network upgrades with their largest-ever international marketing push, investing over $43million to reposition the country in core overseas markets and attract higher-value, long-stay visitors.

Officials and industry leaders hope that improved access, combined with robust promotional efforts, will help the sector rebound in the crucial high season and solidify Costa Rica’s appeal beyond traditional markets. Tourists in 2025 can expect more direct flight choices, competitive fares, and simplified connections, even as the country continues to address ongoing concerns about price and safety.

Key Points:

• Costa Rica’s air arrivals fell 2.8–4.7% in early 2025 as European and North American tourism declined.

• Thirteen new air routes will launch by year-end, with boosts from KLM, Porter Airlines, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris Costa Rica.

• Major route expansions link Costa Rica to Amsterdam, Ottawa, Toronto, Monterrey, Miami, Orlando, and Tulum.

• Robust marketing and new European negotiations aim to revitalize tourism and outperform regional competitors