Vancouver airport launches non-stop service to Costa Rica

Dec 12 2025, 6:06 pm

Vancouver International Airport has announced a new non-stop flight to a popular sunny Central American destination.

The service is to Liberia, Costa Rica, and will be operated by WestJet.

This announcement marks the return of the seasonal service, which YVR says is “bringing convenient access to this popular sun and cultural destination.”

“By connecting Vancouver directly to Central America, we are opening new opportunities for both travel and tourism,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport, in a media release.

“The strategic addition of this seasonal international flight further strengthens YVR as a diverse global hub, providing an excellent option for travellers from B.C. and Western Canada to Costa Rica and beyond, as well as for Latin American visitors to Western Canada.”

During the 2025/2026 winter season, YVR will now be offering a total of 103 non-stop flights to global destinations.

“Flights with WestJet from Vancouver to Liberia, Costa Rica operate once weekly throughout the winter season until April 2026 and are scheduled to depart YVR on Fridays at 12:05 a.m. local time, arriving at Liberia International Airport (LIR) at 09:21 a.m. local time,” YVR adds.

YVR is also offering some deals for folks who are interested in the service for a limited time.

“WestJet passengers travelling to Costa Rica can enjoy a special limited-time promotion at YVR, with 25 per cent off Plaza Premium Lounge access from December 12 until December 26, 2025. Please see a representative at the lounge to redeem this offer.”

Liberia, Costa Rica, offers lots of attractions, like the Tenorio Volcano National Park. There are also lots of beaches and sunny activities that would make for the perfect getaway from winter in Canada.

The Vancouver flight is the only non-stop Central American service this winter. The aircraft operating the seasonal route is the Boeing 737-800, which seats 174 people.

YVR Airport new flights 2024-2026

  • March 13, 2024: Tokyo, Japan (Narita; NRT) — Zipair, 5x weekly
  • April 3, 2024: Singapore (SIN) — Air Canada, 4x weekly
  • April 11, 2024: Montreal, Quebec (YUL) — Porter Airlines, daily
  • April 28, 2024: Detroit, Michigan (DTW) — WestJet, daily (seasonal)
  • June 5, 2024: Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) — American Airlines, daily (seasonal)
  • Jan. 18, 2025: Hong Kong (HKG) — Hong Kong Airlines, 2x weekly
  • April 2, 2025: Manila, Philippines (MNL) — Air Canada, 4x weekly
  • May 1, 2025: Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) — Air Canada, 4x weekly (seasonal)
  • June 3, 2025: Tampa, Florida (TPA) — Air Canada, 2x weekly
  • June 4, 2025: Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) — Air Canada, 3x weekly (seasonal)
  • May 11, 2025: Austin, Texas (AUS) — WestJet, 3x weekly (seasonal)
  • July 1, 2025: Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ) — WestJet, 4x weekly (seasonal)
  • Oct. 27, 2025: Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) — Flair Airlines, 3x weekly
  • Dec. 12, 2025: Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) — WestJet, daily (seasonal)
  • Feb. 2, 2026: Phoenix, Arizona (PHX) — Porter Airlines, daily (seasonal)
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