No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaWestJet flights to Costa Rica remain suspended until June

WestJet flights to Costa Rica remain suspended until June

Canadian airline WestJet announced Tuesday that all “sun flights” to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean will remain suspended until June 4. Routes to Costa Rica are included among these suspensions.

“We are extending our suspension with the clear expectation that as more Canadians are vaccinated, government policy will transition,” Ed Sims, WestJet President, said in a statement from the carrier.

“We remain focused on a long-term solution that will serve the best interests of Canadians. A safe travel-restart framework is the most effective way to support those interests and restore jobs.”

Previously, all Canadian airlines had agreed to suspend flights to “sun destinations” until April 30. Air Canada is scheduled to resume some of its leisure routes in May, though Costa Rica is not yet included in its public plans.

WestJet typically operates nonstop service to both of Costa Rica’s major international airports — Liberia (LIR) and the San José area (SJO).

Air Canada and WestJet are joined by Sunwing and Air Transat as the Canadian airlines that prior to the pandemic offered service to Costa Rica.

Air Transat says it has suspended all operations until June 14, while Sunwing reportedly won’t resume “sun flights” until June 23.

Canadian tourism comprised about 7% of total international arrivals to Costa Rica before the pandemic, according to the Tourism Board.

In 2019, Costa Rica welcomed 234,621 people from Canada. That figure halved in 2020 (115,632 people) and — due largely to Canada’s stringent reentry policies — has dipped to just 5,016 arrivals over the first two months of 2021.

Trending Now

Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro Dies in San José at 95

Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, Nicaragua’s first female president and a key figure in ending her country’s civil war, passed away peacefully this morning in...

UN Ocean Summit Ends with Progress but No Clear Funding

The UN Ocean Summit concluded in Nice with advances in protecting the high seas—but without any clear financial commitments. After bringing together around 60...

Guatemala and U.S. Strengthen Cooperation on Migration and Transnational Crime

Migration and drug trafficking dominated a meeting on Friday between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, according to...

Costa Rica’s President Stirs Debate with Oil Exploration Stance

President Rodrigo Chaves has sparked controversy with his recent comments on oil exploration and the Escazú Agreement, defending his positions in an interview with...

Costa Rica’s Investment Appeal Fades Amid Social and Environmental Challenges

Costa Rica’s reputation as a prime destination for foreign investment is under threat, according to a new study from the University of Costa Rica...

U.S. Warns Americans to Avoid Nicaragua Amid Authoritarian Risks

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to skip travel to Nicaragua due to increasing authoritarianism that puts tourists at risk. The Level...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica