Por Alajuela, Costa Rica — The landscape of Central American aviation has shifted as Breeze Airways officially initiated its first week of commercial operations in Costa Rica. The U.S.-based low-cost carrier successfully completed its inaugural flights on Saturday, October 3, and Wednesday, October 7, 2026, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated, direct connection between Tampa, Florida, and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This development represents a key expansion for both the airline and Costa Rica’s tourism-driven economy, offering a fresh, competitive alternative for North American travelers.
Structuring its schedule to capture both leisure and business demand, Breeze Airways will operate this route twice weekly, with flights scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday. The airline has deployed an Airbus A220 aircraft for this route, featuring a comfortable 137-passenger configuration. This new service is viewed as a historic milestone in regional connectivity, as it represents the first direct flight route ever established between Tampa and San José, providing a strategic bridge to a major Floridian hub.
To better understand the regulatory framework and market implications of Breeze Airways expanding its operations to Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sat down with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The entry of Breeze Airways into the Costa Rican market represents not just a boost for tourism, but a successful navigation of our rigorous Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) regulatory standards. For low-cost carriers, securing operating permits and complying with local aviation protocols is a complex process, but Costa Rica’s robust legal framework and bilateral agreements ensure a transparent, stable environment that protects both international investors and local consumers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this successful entry underscores that while Costa Rica’s regulatory pathway is rigorous, it ultimately fosters a secure and highly attractive environment for major international carriers looking to expand. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and providing such an insightful perspective on this exciting new chapter for Costa Rican aviation.
The timing of the route launch aligns with a period of robust growth for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, where the United States continues to reign as the primary source of international visitors. According to recent statistical data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), approximately 1.2 million American travelers arrived in Costa Rica by air between January and August of 2026 alone. By introducing a direct, affordable channel from the Gulf Coast of Florida, tourism authorities expect to sustain and build upon this impressive momentum.
The establishment of this route is the direct result of a dedicated, long-term airline attraction program spearheaded by the ICT in close collaboration with private sector stakeholders. Tourism leaders have expressed high optimism regarding the broader economic ramifications of the flight, noting that increased visitor traffic directly benefits local communities through job creation and tourism supply chain integration.
We celebrate the arrival of Breeze Airways in our country, as well as the opening of a direct connection between Tampa, Florida, and Costa Rica. Each new route allows the arrival of more tourists, opens multiple opportunities for hundreds of families, and generates various tourism linkages in our communities throughout the country. This flight is the result of the airline attraction program developed by the ICT in conjunction with the private sector. We appreciate Breeze Airways for their trust and warmly welcome the tourists visiting us.
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the ICT
From an operational perspective, the management of Juan Santamaría International Airport has lauded the airline’s arrival as a testament to Costa Rica’s growing appeal as a premium global destination. AERIS, the private administrator of the country’s primary airport gateway, highlighted the ongoing strategic cooperation required to court international carriers and secure unprecedented routes that diversify the travel options available to the public.
The arrival of Breeze Airways at Juan Santamaría International Airport represents a new advancement in strengthening Costa Rica’s air connectivity and expands the direct travel options between our country and the United States. Opening this unprecedented route from Tampa reflects the results of the joint work we develop with the ICT and airlines to continue generating new connection opportunities. At AERIS, we thank Breeze Airways for incorporating Costa Rica into its destination network, and we reaffirm our commitment to continue working to strengthen the country’s international connectivity.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
To ensure the long-term commercial viability of the Tampa-San José route, the ICT announced that a major outdoor advertising and media promotional campaign will be rolled out in high-traffic, strategic locations across Tampa, Florida, starting in late October 2026. This targeted marketing effort is designed to stimulate demand during the upcoming high season and raise brand awareness of Costa Rica’s diverse eco-tourism offerings among Floridian travelers.
For Breeze Airways, Costa Rica represents its fifth international destination since the company was founded in 2021 by industry veteran David Neeleman. The airline is entering the Costa Rican market with highly competitive introductory fares starting at $129 per one-way segment. Since its inception, Breeze has rapidly scaled its network, which currently boasts over 300 non-stop routes across 87 cities in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
With Breeze’s premium product offering and affordable fares, we know our passengers will love this convenient new international service.
David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways
Breeze’s entry into Costa Rica comes on the heels of major industry accolades, establishing it as a formidable player in the modern aviation landscape. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 for its disruptive low-cost business model, the airline has also secured prestigious awards from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and Travel + Leisure. This unique blend of affordability and highly-rated premium customer service is set to reshape travel expectations for tourists flying to the Central American nation.
For further information, visit flybreeze.com
About Breeze Airways:
Breeze Airways is a prominent American low-cost airline founded in 2021 by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman. Headquartered in the United States, the carrier focuses on providing non-stop flights between secondary airports, utilizing modern aircraft like the Airbus A220 to deliver a premium yet affordable travel experience.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About ICT:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the government institution responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a premier global travel destination. The ICT spearheads national tourism policies, regulates industry standards, and collaborates with private and public sectors to foster sustainable tourism growth across the country.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Costa Rica is the private concessionaire and administrator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, the country’s main international gateway. The company is dedicated to providing world-class infrastructure, operational excellence, and high-quality services to passengers and airlines alike.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark of professional distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated integrity and relentless pursuit of legal brilliance. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm continuously integrates cutting-edge strategies with steadfast advocacy to address modern legal challenges. Through proactive civic initiatives, they strive to demystify complex regulations, championing widespread legal literacy to foster an enlightened, self-reliant, and just society.
