Guanacaste Expands Air Connectivity with the First Direct Flights to Washington Dulles

A new route strengthens travel between Costa Rica and the U.S. capital region

For the first time, Guanacaste will offer a direct air connection to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through flights linking Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The new route marks an important step in strengthening Costa Rica’s international air connectivity while making travel easier for visitors arriving from the eastern United States.

The service responds to the growing demand for travel between the two countries and will provide a more convenient option for tourists, business travelers, and people visiting friends and family.

A strategic gateway for tourism

Washington Dulles is one of the largest international airports in the United States and serves as a major hub with connections to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.

The new route will allow travelers from the East Coast, the Midwest, and other parts of North America to reach Guanacaste more efficiently, reducing travel times and eliminating additional connections.

For Costa Rica, enhanced accessibility creates new opportunities to attract visitors interested in nature, beaches, adventure, and sustainable tourism.

Guanacaste continues to grow as an international destination

Over the past several years, Guanacaste has become one of Costa Rica’s leading tourism regions.

The province is home to numerous national parks, biological reserves, internationally recognized beaches, luxury resorts, adventure activities, and wellness experiences.

Popular destinations include Papagayo, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, and Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which welcome thousands of domestic and international visitors every year.

Improved air connectivity helps maintain the destination’s competitiveness while making these attractions more accessible.

Daniel Oduber International Airport continues expanding its global network

Located in Liberia, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport has become the primary gateway for travelers visiting Guanacaste and northern Costa Rica.

The airport already offers numerous connections with cities across the United States, Canada, and Europe, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing international airports.

The addition of Washington Dulles further expands its destination network and diversifies Costa Rica’s international tourism markets.

Benefits for the local economy

Additional international flights generate positive economic impacts across multiple sectors.

Tourism supports employment in hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, tour operators, retail businesses, and other services, benefiting both local entrepreneurs and surrounding communities.

Greater connectivity also facilitates business travel, foreign investment, and international events, contributing to regional economic development.

The United States remains Costa Rica’s largest tourism market

The United States continues to be Costa Rica’s most important source of international visitors.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of American travelers visit the country to experience its biodiversity, protected areas, wildlife, surfing, ecotourism, and renowned hospitality.

The launch of new direct routes reflects the continued growth of this market while helping distribute visitor arrivals throughout the year.

Supporting sustainable tourism

Expanding international air service is part of Costa Rica’s broader strategy to promote competitive and sustainable tourism.

The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) continues to focus on attracting travelers interested in nature, culture, wellness, and environmental conservation.

Improved connectivity makes it easier for visitors to discover the country’s diverse regions while supporting economic opportunities for local communities.

Strengthening Costa Rica’s global tourism presence

The new direct connection between Guanacaste and Washington Dulles reflects Costa Rica’s growing international appeal as a world-class travel destination.

By expanding access from one of the country’s most important tourism markets, the route is expected to strengthen the tourism sector, improve destination competitiveness, and create new opportunities for regional economic growth.