Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica is set to launch a new direct air connection to Poland, beginning in October, with charter flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines. The initiative, a collaboration between the airport and Polish tour operator Rainbow Tours, aims to bolster tourism to the Guanacaste region and strengthen ties between Costa Rica and Europe.
The service will initially operate on a weekly basis from two Polish cities. Flights from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) will run from October 8th to October 29th. A second route, from Katowice International Airport (KTW), will follow, operating from November 5th to December 17th, according to announcements made Thursday by Guanacaste Airport and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
The flights will utilize Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, capable of carrying 251 passengers. These aircraft are designed for long-haul routes, offering features intended to mitigate jet lag through lower cabin altitude and advanced air filtration systems. The 787-8’s fuel efficiency, achieved through General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, also contributes to reduced carbon emissions, according to industry specifications.
This development marks the first-ever nonstop route between Costa Rica and Poland. Previously, travelers between the two countries relied on flights with layovers through airlines such as Iberia, SWISS, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and American Airlines.
Data from the ICT indicates a growing interest in Costa Rica from Polish tourists. In 2025, a total of 8,837 Polish citizens visited the country. Through Guanacaste Airport alone, 524 passengers from Poland have already arrived in 2026, a figure expected to increase with the introduction of the direct flights.
Rainbow Tours, founded in 1990, is a leading Polish tour operator and a member of the Polish Chamber of Tourism and the Polish Association of Tour Operators. Maciej Szczechura, CEO of Rainbow Tours, has stated that Costa Rica has long been a desired destination for Polish travelers. The company’s expansion into Costa Rica complements its existing long-haul destinations, including the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Costa Rican Tourism Minister William Rodríguez emphasized the importance of the new route in strengthening connectivity with Europe and generating employment in the Guanacaste region. The new service also reinforces Guanacaste’s position as an independent tourism hub, distinct from the capital, San José. The airport already hosts European flights via Edelweiss Air from Zurich (ZRH), demonstrating the region’s capacity for high-value tourism.
The charter nature of the flights is expected to provide a predictable revenue stream for local hotels and transportation services, as passengers typically book packages lasting one to two weeks. Further details regarding flight schedules and ticket prices are expected to be released on the LOT Polish Airlines website.
