Costa Rica Welcomes First Direct Flights from Poland, Signaling a Surge in European Tourism
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is set to expand its connectivity with Europe with the arrival of charter flights from Poland beginning this October. This fresh route, a collaboration between tour operator Rainbow Tours and airline LOT Polish Airlines, will directly connect Warsaw and Katowice to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province.
A New Era for Costa Rican-Polish Travel
The initiative will see eleven charter flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines, utilizing Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with a capacity of 251 passengers. The Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Guanacaste (LIR) route will operate weekly from October 8th to October 29th. Following this, the Katowice International Airport (KTW) to Guanacaste route will operate weekly from November 5th to December 17th. This phased approach aims to capture demand during the European autumn and early winter seasons, attracting travelers to Costa Rica’s Pacific North tourism corridor.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: A Game Changer for Long-Haul Travel
The selection of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is strategic. These aircraft are designed for long-distance travel, featuring cabin configurations that minimize jet lag through lower cabin altitude pressurization and advanced air filtration systems. The aircraft utilizes either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to older models.
This type of aircraft is crucial for covering the over 6,000 nautical miles separating Central Europe from Central America without technical stops, ensuring operational efficiency for long-haul charter flights.
Growth in Polish Tourism to Costa Rica
Poland’s interest in Costa Rica has been steadily increasing. In 2025, 8,837 Polish citizens visited Costa Rica, according to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Guanacaste Airport’s infrastructure has been key to attracting this influx; in early 2026, 524 passengers have already arrived at the airport from Poland, a number expected to rise with the introduction of LOT Polish Airlines’ service.
This expansion reinforces Guanacaste’s position as a tourism hub independent of the capital, San José. Currently, Edelweiss operates flights from Zurich (ZRH) with a triangular service, demonstrating the destination’s maturity for high-value tourism seeking direct access to the region’s beaches and national parks.
Economic Impact on the Local Economy
The arrival of tour operators like Rainbow Tours not only guarantees filled seats but also supports a value chain that directly impacts the hospitality and transportation sectors in Guanacaste. As these are charter flights, tourist stays are typically pre-defined within one or two-week packages, providing predictable revenue for local businesses.
Rainbow Tours’ expansion adds to its existing portfolio of long-haul destinations, including the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia, positioning Costa Rica as a key offering in Central America for the remainder of 2026, as reported by the ICT.
Future Trends: Costa Rica as a European Gateway
The introduction of direct flights from Poland isn’t an isolated event; it’s indicative of a broader trend towards increased connectivity between Costa Rica, and Europe. Several airlines already offer service between Costa Rica and Poland with layovers, including Iberia, SWISS, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and American Airlines. This suggests a growing demand for travel between the two regions.
Diversification of Source Markets
Costa Rica has traditionally relied on North American and, increasingly, Central American tourism. Diversifying source markets to include Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, reduces reliance on any single region and provides resilience against economic fluctuations or geopolitical events. This strategy aligns with the ICT’s broader goals of sustainable tourism development.
The Rise of Charter Flights
While scheduled flights are essential, charter flights play a crucial role in opening up new routes and testing market demand. The success of the Rainbow Tours-LOT Polish Airlines partnership could pave the way for similar collaborations with other European tour operators, leading to a more diverse range of flight options.
Sustainable Tourism Considerations
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency is a positive step towards sustainable tourism. However, continued efforts are needed to minimize the environmental impact of increased air travel. This includes investing in sustainable aviation fuels, promoting carbon offsetting programs, and encouraging responsible tourism practices among visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the flights from Poland to Guanacaste start?
A: Flights from Warsaw begin October 8th, and flights from Katowice begin November 5th.
Q: Which airline is operating the flights?
A: LOT Polish Airlines is operating the flights.
Q: What type of aircraft will be used?
A: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will be used.
Q: How many passengers can the aircraft accommodate?
A: The aircraft has a capacity of 251 passengers.
Q: Where can I find more information about booking flights?
A: Additional details, including flight schedules and ticket prices, will be published soon on the airline’s official website: LOT Polish Airlines.
Pro Tip: Consider booking your trip well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure the best prices and availability.
What are your thoughts on the new flight route? Share your comments below!
