Iberojet Expands Costa Rica Tourism Gateway From Spain With New Madrid–San José Weekly Flight Adding More Holiday Travel Choices, Stronger European Connectivity And Long-Term Air Capacity Growth

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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July 24, 2026 9:51 PM

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Iberojet is expanding Costa Rica’s tourism gateway from Spain with a new Madrid–San José weekly flight, adding more holiday travel choices, strengthening European connectivity and creating long-term air capacity growth as demand between the two destinations continues to rise. Starting in late November, the additional Thursday service to Juan Santamaría International Airport will join existing Tuesday and Saturday flights, providing travellers with greater flexibility while supporting Costa Rica’s growing appeal among European visitors. The expanded route reflects increasing confidence in the Spain–Costa Rica travel market and is expected to improve access for international tourists ahead of the busy Christmas season and beyond.

Iberojet is expanding Spain–Costa Rica travel connectivity with a new third weekly Madrid to San José flight, strengthening one of the country’s important direct air links with continental Europe. The additional service is expected to provide more travel flexibility for visitors, support rising tourism demand and create stronger opportunities for holidaymakers travelling between Spain and Costa Rica ahead of the busy Christmas season.

The new frequency will begin operating in late November, adding a Thursday departure from Madrid to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. The additional service will complement the airline’s existing Tuesday and Saturday flights, creating a more balanced weekly schedule for travellers planning leisure trips, family visits and business journeys between the two destinations.

Iberojet Expands Madrid–San José Route With A Permanent Third Weekly Flight

The expansion of the Madrid–San José connection has been introduced through a cooperation agreement between Iberojet and Costa Rica’s tourism authorities, reflecting the growing importance of direct air access in strengthening international tourism flows.

Unlike a temporary seasonal increase designed only for the winter holiday period, the new Thursday flight is planned to remain part of Iberojet’s regular schedule beyond the initial launch period. The frequency is expected to continue throughout 2027 and 2028, providing long-term stability for travellers and tourism businesses relying on consistent connectivity.

The additional flight day will offer passengers greater flexibility when planning trips between Europe and Central America. Previously, travellers had limited departure options concentrated around the beginning and end of the week. The introduction of a midweek service will allow visitors to create more convenient itineraries while improving connections with other European travel markets.

Madrid’s position as a major international aviation hub also increases the value of the expanded route. The Spanish capital provides onward connectivity to numerous destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, allowing Costa Rica to become more accessible for a wider range of international travellers.

Costa Rica Gains Stronger European Tourism Access Ahead Of Peak Travel Season

The timing of the expansion is expected to provide additional support during one of the most important travel periods of the year. The Christmas and winter holiday season traditionally generates strong demand for international leisure travel, especially towards warm-weather destinations.

Costa Rica continues to attract global visitors through its natural landscapes, biodiversity, adventure tourism experiences and sustainable travel offerings. The country’s combination of tropical beaches, rainforests, national parks and wildlife experiences has increased its popularity among European travellers seeking unique long-haul holidays.

The additional Madrid–San José frequency will provide more available seats during a period when demand typically rises. It will also help travellers from Spain and connecting European markets access Costa Rica with improved scheduling options.

For Costa Rican tourism operators, hotels, tour companies and local communities, increased air capacity represents a major opportunity to welcome more international visitors and strengthen tourism-related economic activity.

Growing Spanish Visitor Numbers Support Expansion Of Air Connectivity

The decision to increase flight frequency has been supported by strong tourism performance between Spain and Costa Rica. Visitor data has shown significant growth from the Spanish market during the first half of 2026.

Air arrivals from Spain increased by 16.8% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The number of Spanish visitors travelling to Costa Rica by air reached 24,910, rising from 21,330 during the previous year.

Spain recorded one of the strongest growth rates among major European source markets for Costa Rica. The increase highlighted the growing interest among Spanish travellers in visiting the Central American destination.

Overall, Europe remained an important source region for Costa Rica’s tourism industry. Between January and June 2026, European markets generated 236,462 air arrivals to Costa Rica, representing a 9.7% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.

The strong performance from European visitors has encouraged airlines and tourism stakeholders to strengthen connections between the two regions.

European Travel Demand Continues To Support Costa Rica Tourism Growth

Although Costa Rica experienced some short-term challenges in international travel patterns, European demand remained resilient throughout 2026.

In June 2026, total air arrivals to Costa Rica recorded a slight decline of 1.2% compared with June 2025. The decrease followed eight consecutive months of growth and was linked to wider international factors affecting global travel patterns.

Higher aviation fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty and changing travel behaviour connected with the 2026 World Cup were identified as factors influencing passenger movements.

However, European travel demand moved in the opposite direction. Visitor arrivals from Europe increased by 12.9% during June compared with the same month in 2025. Spanish arrivals showed particularly strong momentum, rising by 23.4% year over year during the month.

The continued growth from European markets demonstrates the importance of maintaining and expanding direct aviation links. Additional flights such as the new Iberojet frequency are expected to support further tourism development by making Costa Rica easier to reach for international visitors.

New Flight Frequency Creates More Flexible Travel Options For Passengers

The introduction of the Thursday Madrid departure will provide practical benefits for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Passengers travelling from Spain will gain an additional option when planning holidays in Costa Rica, reducing scheduling limitations and improving flexibility around accommodation bookings, tours and connecting flights.

The expanded schedule will also benefit Costa Rican travellers heading to Europe. With Madrid serving as an important gateway, passengers will have more opportunities to continue journeys to other destinations across the continent and beyond.

Families, business travellers and international visitors arranging longer trips will benefit from the improved weekly distribution of flights. A midweek option often allows travellers to avoid peak departure periods and create more convenient travel plans.

For tourism businesses, increased flight availability can support longer stays, higher visitor numbers and greater demand for travel experiences throughout the year.

Iberojet Strengthens Long-Term Spain–Costa Rica Tourism Partnership

The expansion of the Madrid–San José route highlights the growing role of aviation in supporting international tourism development. Reliable air connectivity remains a key factor in attracting visitors, encouraging investment and strengthening relationships between destinations.

By maintaining the additional frequency through 2027 and 2028, Iberojet is creating a more stable travel bridge between Spain and Costa Rica. The move reflects confidence in the long-term potential of the market and the continued appeal of Costa Rica among European travellers.

As global tourism continues to recover and evolve, destinations with strong international connections are expected to gain a competitive advantage. Increased flight capacity provides travellers with greater choice while helping tourism economies expand.

Iberojet is expanding Costa Rica’s tourism gateway from Spain by adding a third Madrid–San José weekly flight, driven by rising European travel demand, stronger Spanish visitor growth and the need for greater year-round connectivity. The new service will provide more holiday options and strengthen Costa Rica’s long-term tourism access from Europe.

With the addition of a third weekly Madrid–San José service, Costa Rica’s connection with Spain is set to become stronger, more accessible and better positioned to support future tourism growth. The expanded route will provide new opportunities for travellers while reinforcing Costa Rica’s position as one of Central America’s most attractive international holiday destinations.