Tampa Works with Washington D.C., New York and More US Cities in Connecting New Flight Routes to Costa Rica Hoping to Turbocharge Winter Air Travel

Tampa works with Washington D.C., New York and more US cities in connecting new flight routes to Costa Rica, hoping to turbocharge winter air travel. Breeze Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines are expanding connectivity, offering American travellers greater convenience while strengthening Costa Rica’s tourism industry.

Tampa joins Austin, Nashville, New York and Washington as US airlines expand Costa Rica flights, strengthening tourism connectivity across Central America. Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are introducing or restoring direct services, creating fresh opportunities for American holidaymakers, tourism businesses and Costa Rica’s growing visitor economy.

US Airlines Strengthen Costa Rica Tourism with New International Routes

Costa Rica is preparing for another period of expansion in international aviation as American airlines introduce new nonstop connections and restore seasonal services from several major United States cities.

The latest developments involve Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, with routes linking Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Washington D.C. and New York to Costa Rica’s two principal international gateways.

Juan Santamaría International Airport, serving San José, and Guanacaste Airport, near Liberia, are central to the expansion. Together, they provide access to the country’s rainforest destinations, Pacific beaches, wildlife reserves and established tourism centres.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has been working alongside airport operators and airline partners to strengthen international connectivity. Its strategy aims to attract additional visitors, support regional businesses and provide travellers with more convenient access to the country.

The latest announcements include both genuinely new nonstop connections and the return or extension of seasonal services. This distinction is important because not every route represents a first-time connection between the two destinations.

“Costa Rica’s expanding air connectivity with American cities reflects encouraging confidence in its tourism potential. New routes create valuable opportunities for travellers, airlines and local communities. Improved accessibility can support sustainable tourism growth, strengthen regional businesses and introduce more international visitors to the country’s remarkable natural and cultural attractions.” says, Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief, TTW

Tampa, Florida – Breeze Airways Launches New Nonstop Flights to San José

Tampa has become one of the latest American cities to gain direct air connectivity with Costa Rica following Breeze Airways’ inaugural flight on 3 October 2026. The low-cost airline operates twice-weekly services between Tampa International Airport and Juan Santamaría International Airport, serving San José. Flights depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Airbus A220 aircraft configured with 137 passenger seats, creating an alternative for Florida travellers seeking convenient access to Central America.

The route marks Breeze Airways’ first entry into Costa Rica and represents an important development in its international expansion. Introductory one-way fares starting at US$129 aim to attract leisure travellers, families and holidaymakers looking for affordable international flights. The service also reduces the need for connecting journeys through other American aviation hubs, making Costa Rica more accessible to residents of Tampa and surrounding communities.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute plans to support the connection through an outdoor advertising campaign in Tampa during late October. The initiative will promote Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife attractions and adventure tourism experiences while encouraging additional American visitors to explore destinations beyond San José.

Austin, Texas – Southwest Airlines Expands Flights to San José and Guanacaste

Austin is preparing to strengthen its air links with Costa Rica as Southwest Airlines introduces additional seasonal services in 2027. The carrier has announced Saturday flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and San José, alongside weekend services connecting Austin with Guanacaste Airport. The San José route is scheduled for March, while Guanacaste flights will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 June to 1 August 2027, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The expansion provides Texas travellers with greater flexibility when selecting their Costa Rican arrival airport. San José offers access to the Central Valley, La Fortuna and Monteverde, while Guanacaste serves Pacific coast resorts, surfing destinations and beach tourism centres. These connections can make international holiday planning more convenient for families, adventure travellers and visitors seeking nature-based experiences.

For Costa Rica, Austin represents an important opportunity to diversify American visitor arrivals. The additional services could benefit hotels, transport providers, tour operators and local tourism businesses.

Nashville, Tennessee – Southwest Airlines Strengthens Seasonal Connectivity to Guanacaste

Nashville is expanding its international tourism connections through Southwest Airlines’ planned nonstop flights to Guanacaste Airport. The service is scheduled to begin on 13 February 2027, introducing a direct option for Tennessee travellers heading towards Costa Rica’s northern Pacific region. The airline has also announced an extension into summer, with Saturday flights operating between 5 June and 31 July 2027 using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The route will improve access to some of Costa Rica’s most popular coastal tourism destinations, including Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and the Papagayo Peninsula. Travellers can explore beaches, national parks, wildlife reserves and outdoor recreation without first connecting through another American airport. The seasonal schedule is particularly relevant for families and holidaymakers planning winter escapes or summer holidays.

For Costa Rica’s tourism industry, Nashville offers an opportunity to attract visitors from another important American metropolitan market. Additional direct connectivity could support resort bookings, local excursions, ground transport services and employment across Guanacaste’s visitor economy

Washington D.C. – United Airlines Opens New Seasonal Flights to Guanacaste

Washington D.C. is preparing to strengthen its direct air connectivity with Costa Rica as United Airlines introduces a seasonal service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Guanacaste Airport. The route is scheduled to begin on 17 December 2026, with daily flights planned until 4 January 2027. United intends to operate Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft with 179 passenger seats, targeting demand during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

The connection will provide travellers from Washington, northern Virginia and Maryland with another convenient option for reaching Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Guanacaste is recognised for its beach resorts, protected natural areas, wellness retreats and outdoor adventure activities. The new service will complement United’s established Washington Dulles–San José connection, expanding the choices available to American visitors.

The route could strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the competitive winter holiday market. Its immediate economic benefits may include additional demand for accommodation, restaurants, airport transfers and guided tourism experiences. However, operations beyond the announced holiday period remain unconfirmed.

New York – Delta Air Lines Restores Direct Flights to Guanacaste

New York is set to regain a seasonal nonstop connection to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region as Delta Air Lines restores flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Guanacaste Airport. The service is scheduled to begin on 19 December 2026 and continue until 10 April 2027, operating every Saturday. Delta plans to use Airbus A321neo aircraft configured with 194 passenger seats, adding capacity during the winter tourism season.

The restored route will provide New York-area holidaymakers with another direct option for reaching Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coastline. Visitors can explore Tamarindo, the Papagayo Peninsula and surrounding nature destinations, which offer beach holidays, wildlife experiences, surfing and wellness tourism. Direct flights can reduce journey complexity for travellers seeking convenient access to resorts and coastal attractions.

For Costa Rica, the return of the JFK connection reinforces the importance of the northeastern United States as a tourism source market. Additional seasonal capacity could support hotel occupancy, tourism spending and business opportunities throughout Guanacaste.

Breeze Airways Launches First Flights from Tampa to Costa Rica, Expanding US Tourism and Air Connectivity

Breeze Airways has officially entered the Costa Rican aviation market, launching its first nonstop flights between Tampa, Florida, and San José. The new twice-weekly service strengthens air connectivity between the United States and Costa Rica, providing travellers with an affordable alternative while supporting tourism growth, regional businesses and international visitor arrivals.

The American low-cost carrier completed its first two flights to Costa Rica on 3 and 7 October 2026, marking an important milestone in its international expansion. The new service connects Tampa International Airport (TPA) with Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the principal international gateway serving San José and Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

The route is the result of collaboration between the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), airport operator AERIS and Breeze Airways. It also reflects Costa Rica’s continuing efforts to attract international airlines, diversify its tourism markets and improve direct access from major American cities.

Breeze Airways Begins Twice-Weekly Flights Between Tampa and Costa Rica

Breeze Airways operates the new Tampa–San José route twice weekly, with flights scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday.

The airline uses an Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 passengers, providing a modern, relatively fuel-efficient option for travellers flying between Florida and Central America.

The inaugural flight arrived in Costa Rica on Saturday, 3 October 2026, followed by the second service on Wednesday, 7 October. These successful initial operations established a new nonstop connection between the two destinations.

Previously, travellers seeking to fly between Tampa and San José generally needed to consider connecting services through other American aviation hubs. The introduction of direct flights creates a more convenient alternative, particularly for leisure travellers, families and passengers planning shorter holidays.

The new service also expands the range of international destinations available from Tampa International Airport, strengthening its position as a departure point for travel to Latin America and the Caribbean.

New Breeze Airways Route at a Glance

The advertised introductory fare of US$129 provides an attractive starting price, although actual ticket costs depend on travel dates, availability, baggage requirements and other applicable charges.

Costa Rica Strengthens Its Tourism Industry Through New US Air Connectivity

The arrival of Breeze Airways represents another development in Costa Rica’s strategy to strengthen international tourism through improved airline connectivity.

The ICT has been working with airlines and private-sector partners to encourage new routes, increase passenger capacity and establish direct connections with strategically important overseas markets.

Marcos V. Borges, executive president of the ICT, welcomed Breeze Airways and highlighted the wider economic benefits of attracting international flights.

According to Borges, additional air routes create opportunities for tourism businesses and families across Costa Rica. Increased international arrivals can support accommodation providers, restaurants, transport companies, tour operators and other businesses connected with the visitor economy.

The tourism authority also expects the Tampa service to contribute to continued growth in American visitor arrivals.

For Costa Rica, improving connectivity is particularly important because international air travel plays a central role in bringing visitors to its beaches, national parks, rainforest destinations and adventure tourism attractions.

By attracting additional airlines, the country can expand its visibility among overseas travellers while reducing its dependence on established international gateways.

United States Remains Costa Rica’s Leading Tourism Source Market

The United States continues to be Costa Rica’s most important international tourism market, making the introduction of additional American air services particularly significant.

According to the ICT, approximately 1.2 million travellers from the United States entered Costa Rica by air between January and August 2026.

These figures demonstrate the importance of American visitors to the country’s tourism industry and underline the commercial potential of additional direct routes.

American travellers visit Costa Rica for a wide range of experiences, including wildlife encounters, nature-based holidays, surfing, wellness retreats and adventure activities.

Popular destinations include La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste and the Caribbean coastal region.

The Tampa connection offers another entry point for travellers interested in exploring these destinations, particularly those living in western and central Florida.

It may also appeal to passengers seeking alternatives to travelling through larger airports or making connecting journeys.

However, the long-term impact of the new route on visitor arrivals will depend on passenger demand, airline capacity, pricing and sustained operations.

Tampa Tourism Campaign to Promote New Costa Rica Flights

To support the new service, the ICT has announced plans to launch an outdoor advertising campaign in Tampa towards the end of October 2026.

The promotional initiative will target strategically selected, high-traffic locations across the Florida city.

Its objective is to increase awareness of the new nonstop flights while encouraging residents to consider Costa Rica for their next international holiday.

The campaign will complement Costa Rica’s wider destination marketing activities in the United States.

Promoting direct airline access alongside the country’s natural attractions can help convert travel interest into bookings.

The initiative also illustrates the relationship between destination marketing and airline route development. New services require sustained passenger demand, while effective tourism promotion helps airlines build awareness among potential customers.

For Tampa residents, the campaign will introduce Costa Rica as an increasingly accessible holiday destination offering rainforest experiences, tropical beaches, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.

AERIS Welcomes Breeze Airways to Juan Santamaría International Airport

AERIS, the operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, has welcomed the introduction of Breeze Airways as another step towards improving Costa Rica’s international aviation network.

Ricardo Hernández, executive director of AERIS, said the new Tampa connection reflects continued cooperation between the airport operator, the ICT and international airlines.

He emphasised that the service expands direct travel options between Costa Rica and the United States while demonstrating the value of coordinated airline development initiatives.

Juan Santamaría International Airport serves as a major gateway for international visitors travelling to San José and surrounding tourism regions.

Its connectivity is particularly important for visitors planning itineraries across central Costa Rica, including destinations in Alajuela, Heredia and the country’s mountainous interior.

Additional airline services can also strengthen the airport’s international network and improve travel options for Costa Rican residents visiting the United States.

Breeze Airways Expands Its International Network Beyond the United States

The Costa Rica launch forms part of Breeze Airways’ broader strategy to expand its international operations while maintaining its focus on affordable, convenient air travel.

Founded in 2021, the American airline has developed a network centred on nonstop services, including connections between cities that have traditionally depended on larger aviation hubs.

Costa Rica becomes the airline’s fifth international destination, extending its presence in Central America.

According to the information released alongside the route launch, Breeze Airways operates a network of more than 300 nonstop routes serving 87 cities across the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

David Neeleman, founder and chief executive of Breeze Airways, previously highlighted the importance of the Tampa expansion.

He said the addition of the Costa Rica service doubles the number of international destinations served by Breeze from Tampa.

The airline is positioning its combination of competitive fares and onboard product options as an attractive proposition for travellers seeking greater flexibility without relying on traditional connecting itineraries.

Breeze Airways was also recognised by Fast Company in its 2025 World’s Most Innovative Companies listing, reflecting attention to its approach to low-cost aviation and customer experience.

New Tampa Flights Open Access to Costa Rica’s Nature and Adventure Tourism

Beyond aviation connectivity, the new service could benefit several segments of Costa Rica’s tourism economy.

Costa Rica is internationally recognised for its biodiversity, conservation initiatives and extensive network of protected natural areas.

Travellers arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport can begin journeys towards some of the country’s most established tourism destinations.

La Fortuna attracts visitors with its volcanic landscapes, hot springs and adventure activities, while Monteverde is known for cloud forests, wildlife observation and nature trails.

Manuel Antonio offers a combination of Pacific beaches, tropical forests and national park experiences.

Other travellers may use San José as a starting point for cultural exploration, coffee plantation visits or longer journeys towards coastal resorts.

Improved air access from Tampa could also support small tourism enterprises operating beyond the country’s main urban centres.

These include locally owned accommodation businesses, specialist guides, transport providers and community-based tourism operators.

Although the new service alone cannot guarantee increased tourism spending, it creates an additional opportunity to attract visitors from a major American market.

Affordable Air Travel Creates Opportunities for Florida Holidaymakers

Breeze Airways’ introductory one-way fares starting at US$129 are designed to encourage travellers to consider the new international service.

Competitive pricing can be particularly important for holidaymakers comparing destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

For travellers based around Tampa, direct access to Costa Rica may make short breaks and longer leisure holidays easier to organise.

The Wednesday and Saturday schedule also provides options for different holiday lengths, although passengers will need to plan around the twice-weekly frequency.

Travellers should check current fares, baggage allowances, passport validity and Costa Rican entry requirements before booking.

They should also consider onward transport arrangements, particularly when visiting coastal or remote destinations located several hours from San José.

As the route develops, passenger demand will provide an indication of its commercial sustainability and potential for future growth.

Breeze Airways’ arrival in Costa Rica marks an important expansion of nonstop connectivity between Florida and Central America. With twice-weekly Tampa flights, competitive introductory fares and coordinated tourism promotion, the service creates new travel opportunities. Its long-term success could strengthen visitor flows, support local businesses and encourage further airline investment.

Costa Rica’s expanding airline connections with Tampa, Austin, Nashville, Washington and New York highlight its growing accessibility to American travellers. New services, seasonal extensions and returning routes provide more opportunities to explore San José and Guanacaste. Continued collaboration between airlines, airports and tourism authorities could support visitor growth and regional economic development.

Costa Rica’s expanding air connections with Tampa, Washington D.C., New York and other American cities signal promising opportunities for winter tourism. New and returning airline services will improve accessibility, encourage international travel and support local businesses. These developments could strengthen visitor arrivals and reinforce Costa Rica’s position as a holiday destination.