Porter Airlines Launches New Route Between Toronto and Liberia, Costa Rica, Enhancing Travel Options for Canadian Tourists to Beaches, Rainforests, and National Parks

Published on December 9, 2025

For the first time, Porter Airlines has landed in Costa Rica, inaugurating a direct flight route from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. This initial flight ushers in Porter Airlines’ arrival in Central America, making the renowned beaches of Guanacaste, rainforest, and national parks more accessible for the citizens of Canada.

The new service will run with roundtrip flights using Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, seating 132 passengers in an all-economy configuration with no middle seats. The flights run up to six times a week, connecting people directly and without layovers to enhance the travel experience for those going to Costa Rica from Canada.

Increasing Connectivity and Enhancing Tourism Growth

The new route significantly strengthens Costa Rica’s tourism ties with Canada, one of the country’s steady travel markets. According to estimates, over 140,000 passengers fly between Toronto and Liberia each year, and Porter’s addition to this route offers another travel option for Canadian visitors. With rising interest in Guanacaste’s beaches, rainforests, and national parks, the new route aims to bolster tourism growth for Costa Rica, especially during the dry season when many Canadians seek warmer weather.

César Jaramillo, CEO of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, noted the significance of the route in Costa Rica’s tourism development. “Expanding connections with key markets such as Canada reflects our commitment to positive mobility, sustainability, and tourism growth in the country,” he said. “This operation marks a milestone in Costa Rican aviation, as Porter selected Guanacaste Airport as its first destination in Central America.”

A Boost to Local Economy and Tourism Services in Guanacaste

Porter Airlines’ new route is expected to drive significant economic benefits for Guanacaste and surrounding regions. With the influx of Canadian tourists, local hotels, tour operators, and hospitality services in the region will benefit from increased demand, particularly in eco-tourism, adventure travel, and beach vacations. The route will also open up opportunities for local businesses to cater to an expanding international market, with tourists exploring the country’s protected areas, eco-resorts, and natural wonders.

For Costa Ricans, this route offers easier access to Toronto, a hub for both business and family visits. The direct flights from Liberia to Toronto offer increased opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism between both countries, boosting both tourism revenue and international trade links.

Porter Airlines: Enhancing the Travel Experience with Perks

Porter Airlines is known for its emphasis on passenger comfort, offering perks like free WiFi, complimentary snacks, and beer or wine served in glassware. The airline also provides flexible fare options, allowing loyalty members to use points for bookings, starting at 10,000 points one way. These offerings ensure that travelers can enjoy a high-quality experience, making the new route to Costa Rica even more appealing to those seeking a premium yet affordable travel option.

Future Expansion and Impact on Regional Connectivity

Porter Airlines plans to continue expanding its international routes, with Ottawa set to begin service to Liberia starting December 17, 2025, building on the success of the Toronto route. This expansion supports the airline’s broader strategy to grow its presence in Central America and enhance regional connectivity across the Caribbean and Latin America.

The airline’s growing network in Central America will likely attract more visitors to the region as tourism demand in countries like Costa Rica continues to rise. As Latin America becomes an increasingly popular travel destination, the Porter-Costa Rica connection will continue to support regional tourism growth and provide travelers with new options for exploring tropical destinations.

The Future of Tourism in Costa Rica: A Focus on Sustainability

The introduction of this new route highlights the growing trend in eco-tourism and sustainable travel in Costa Rica, one of the world’s leading destinations for nature-based tourism. As Costa Rica continues to promote sustainable travel and eco-friendly experiences, the new flight route plays a key role in attracting eco-conscious travelers from Canada and beyond.

The country’s dedication to environmental preservation and cultural heritage makes it an increasingly attractive destination for tourists who prioritize sustainability in their travel choices. The direct flights from Toronto to Liberia will further increase tourist numbers looking to experience the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica, contributing to the country’s long-term goal of sustainable tourism development.

A Positive Shift for Costa Rica’s Tourism and Economic Growth

This is expected to be a game-changer for the tourism sector of Costa Rica, thanks to the launching of the new direct route between Toronto and Liberia by Porter Airlines. This increasing accessibility, together with the region’s ecotourism offerings and natural beauty, will surely spur tourist growth, increase economic development, and give a boost to the country’s reputation among the top international travel destinations.

As tourism continues to recover and regional travel grows, Porter Airlines’ service to Costa Rica will support further connectivity between North America and Central America, driving long-term growth in tourism and regional business exchange. This new route is just the first step of Porter’s plans to strengthen tourism flows and enhance tourism relationships in the region.