Toronto Joins Ottawa, Costa Rica and More as Porter Airlines Unveils Game-Changing Direct Flights – Say Goodbye to Layovers and Hello to Your Dream Winter Getaway

Published on December 4, 2025

Travel‑starved Canadians and adventure‑seekers now have a new reason to flutter down to tropical bliss: Porter Airlines has officially launched direct flights from Canada to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, in a bold debut into Central America. The new routes fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) — the gateway to Costa Rica’s famed Pacific coast, lush beaches and rainforest retreats. This is not only Porter’s first Central‑American venture, but also the first time the Canadian capital, Ottawa, gains a non‑stop air link to Costa Rica.

From December 2025, travellers from Toronto and Ottawa can book hassle‑free, direct flights to LIR, opening the door to instant escapes to beaches, volcanoes and jungle‑backed resorts. With Porter’s signature comfort — 132‑seat Embraer jets, no middle seats, complimentary snacks, beer and wine — the journey is as much part of the getaway as the destination itself.

For travel‑hungry souls, this change doesn’t just mean a new flight route: it signals seamless access to Costa Rica’s natural magic and an unmatched opportunity to experience exotic escapes without stopovers or complicated itineraries.

Why This Route Matters for Costa Rica & Canadian Travellers

The addition of Canada-to-Costa Rica direct flights represents a landmark shift in connectivity. Prior to this, travellers often had to hop via U.S. hubs or multiple connections — adding hours, cost and complexity. Now, with a smooth, non-stop flight to LIR, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica becomes a practical choice even for shorter breaks or spontaneous escapes.

From Costa Rica’s side, the move aligns with a growing tourism strategy. The national tourism board has welcomed Porter’s entry, pointing out Canada as a high‑potential market.

Officials at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport highlight a steady rise in Canadian air arrivals. With these new routes, Guanacaste is strengthening its position as a prime hub for international tourists — especially those craving sun, sand and rainforest serenity during Canada’s winter.

For travellers, the benefits are immediate: simplified travel planning, fewer connections, and direct access to Costa Rica’s famed beaches, eco-lodges, surf breaks, and nature‑rich reserves.

Flight Details: When and Where

• Toronto (YYZ) → Liberia (LIR) — begins 4 December 2025, with flights three times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays) through 5 March 2026.
• Ottawa (YOW) → Liberia (LIR) — begins 13 December 2025, with flights twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) through 7 March 2026.
• Aircraft: Embraer E195‑E2, 132 seats, two‑by‑two seating (no middle seats).

Porter markets these routes as part of its “sun‑destination” expansion — Canadian travellers escaping winter grip now get a direct route to warmth.

What Waits at Guanacaste: Beaches, Jungle, Culture & Relaxation

Once you land at Liberia (LIR), the real journey begins. Guanacaste Province offers a mix of natural beauty, beach serenity, and adventure. Expect gorgeous Pacific beaches like Tamarindo and Papagayo, rainforest‑hugged volcanoes, surf breaks, and eco‑lodges hidden in jungle greenery.

Costa Rica’s emphasis on sustainable tourism makes it even more attractive: from turtle nesting beaches to wellness retreats, volcano hikes to calm spa days — the region is built for travellers seeking both excitement and peace. The national tourism board has underlined this commitment repeatedly.

For Canadian travellers, the timing during winter months is ideal — leaving behind snow and cold for palm‑fringed beaches, warm waves, and a slower pace of life.

Even more: the simplicity of direct travel (with no middle seats, no baggage‑transfer hassles, no stopovers) means shorter planning, fewer jet‑lag headaches, and more time savoured under the Costa Rican sun.

What This Means for the Tourism Industry — Locals, Resorts & Beyond

The new flights are more than holiday routes: they mark economic opportunity. For Guanacaste and Costa Rica at large, expect a bump in tourist arrivals from Canada — a high‑value market. Airlines, resort operators, local businesses and eco‑tourism providers stand to gain. Already, airport management describes Canada as a “strategic and dynamic market.”

Resorts, lodges and local tour operators may see demand surge, especially in peak winter season, as Canadians look to trade cold winters for tropical escapes. This could also translate into extended seasonality for hospitality and tourism‑related services across the region.

For eco‑travel proponents, Costa Rica continues to offer an alluring promise: sustainable stays, minimal‑impact adventures, and access to vibrant natural habitat — all now easily reachable from North America.

Travel Tips for Prospective Visitors

• Book early: With limited weekly frequencies (2–3 flights/week), securing tickets soon gives better fare and flexibility.
• Flight comfort matters: Porter’s Embraer E195‑E2 with no middle seat and added amenities makes for a more relaxed trip — arrive feeling fresh.
• Pack smart: Costa Rica has varied terrain — beachwear, reef-safe sunscreen, light trekking gear, and casual‑chic clothes will serve you well.
• Plan activities ahead: Surfing, jungle tours, eco‑lodges, volcano hikes — these fill up fast in high season.
• Check entry requirements & visa status: Though Costa Rica welcomes many visitors, confirm passport validity and any immigration requirements before booking.

What the Flights Reveal About Broader Travel Trends

This launch reveals several broader shifts:

• Rising demand for winter‑sun escapes — Canadians increasingly opting for warm‑weather getaways during their long, cold winters.
• Opening of less‑explored corridors — Direct Canada–Costa Rica connectivity shows airlines and tourism boards investing in underserved travel corridors, bypassing traditional hubs.
• Growing premium‑economy demand — With Porter’s comfortable, elevated‑economy model (no middle seats, free drinks/snacks), travellers show appetite for comfortable yet affordable long‑haul leisure flights.
• Eco‑tourism & sustainable travel as drawcards — Costa Rica’s positioning as a leader in sustainable tourism remains its strongest asset, and convenient flights make it all the more accessible.

Costa Rica Awaits, and the Sky Is Now Yours

Imagine landing in Guanacaste, stepping off the plane into warm air scented with tropical flora — no layovers, no fuss, just the salty breeze and rustle of palms. For many Canadians, that vision was a distant wish. Now, it’s a direct flight away. Porter Airlines’ bold leap into Central America isn’t just a new route: it’s a bridge between winter blues and sun‑soaked freedom, a roadmap to beaches, jungle trails and blissful relaxation. Costa Rica stands open — and this time, getting there is part of the escape.