British Airways Costa Rica Flights Go Year-Round
British Airways Makes London–Costa Rica Flights Year-Round From October 2026
Updated September 19, 2026
British Airways is making its London–Costa Rica connection a year-round service, ending the seasonal gap that previously removed the nonstop route during the European summer. The airline will operate between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), commonly called San José Airport.
Quick Answer
British Airways will begin its expanded Heathrow–San José schedule on October 25, 2026, with five weekly flights during the winter season. The major new development is that service will continue during summer 2027 at three flights per week, making the London–Costa Rica connection year-round rather than seasonal.
Key Facts
The route connects London Heathrow (LHR) with Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Five weekly flights are planned from October 2026 through March 2027.
Three weekly flights will continue during summer 2027.
The route previously operated seasonally.
British Airways moves the Costa Rica service from London Gatwick to Heathrow.
Boeing 787-8 aircraft are scheduled for the winter operation.
British Airways announced the year-round extension on September 17, 2026.
What Changed With British Airways Flights to Costa Rica?
British Airways had already announced that its Costa Rica service would increase from three to five weekly flights for winter 2026–2027 and move from Gatwick to Heathrow. The Costa Rica Shuttles covered that earlier development in its British Airways winter 2026 flight expansion update.
The September announcement adds the important missing piece: British Airways will no longer suspend the route after the winter season. Its summer 2027 network will maintain three weekly Heathrow–San José flights, converting the connection into a year-round service.
When Do the Year-Round Flights Begin?
The Heathrow operation is scheduled to begin October 25, 2026, with five flights per week during the northern winter. British Airways’ newly announced summer program then maintains three flights per week instead of ending the service after March.
British Airways notes that final schedules remain subject to operational and slot considerations, so travelers should verify their specific departure dates before arranging connecting flights or ground transportation.
Why Does the Move to Heathrow Matter?
London Heathrow is British Airways’ principal hub. Moving the Costa Rica route from Gatwick gives travelers access to a broader range of connections within the airline’s international network.
The Heathrow move was first confirmed as part of British Airways’ winter 2026 expansion. The airline now lists Costa Rica departures from Heathrow beginning in October 2026.
The year-round Costa Rica service is also part of a wider British Airways expansion in Latin America, where the airline says capacity will increase by 25% for summer 2027.
Why Is the UK–Costa Rica Route Important?
The United Kingdom is one of Costa Rica’s principal European tourism markets. ICT figures reported in September recorded 47,753 British visitors arriving by air between January and August 2026, placing the UK third among European source markets.
Maintaining nonstop service during the European summer removes a previous seasonal interruption and provides travelers with a direct London–San José option across more of the calendar year.
Arriving at San José Airport
British Airways serves Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, rather than Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Travelers continuing beyond the Central Valley can review transportation routes from San José Airport and the San José Airport Transportation Guide.
Options include private transportation in Costa Rica for travelers needing flexible airport pickup and shared shuttle services for routes where the flight arrival and fixed shuttle schedule are compatible.
International passengers should allow time for Immigration, baggage collection and Customs before continuing to their final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will British Airways fly to Costa Rica year-round?
Yes. British Airways confirmed that London Heathrow–San José will become a year-round route. Five weekly flights are planned for winter 2026–2027, followed by three weekly flights during summer 2027.
When does British Airways move Costa Rica flights to Heathrow?
British Airways plans to move the Costa Rica route from London Gatwick to London Heathrow beginning October 25, 2026. The winter service is scheduled at five flights per week.
Which Costa Rica airport does British Airways use?
British Airways flies to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, commonly called San José Airport. The year-round service does not operate to Guanacaste Airport (LIR).
How often will British Airways fly to Costa Rica?
British Airways plans five weekly flights during the winter 2026–2027 season and three weekly flights during summer 2027, replacing the previous seasonal operating pattern.
How can passengers travel from SJO after arriving from London?
Passengers can continue by private transfer, scheduled shared shuttle, rental car, taxi or other transportation depending on their destination and arrival logistics. Travelers can compare options through the Costa Rica shuttle route directory.
Conclusion
British Airways’ year-round London–Costa Rica service represents a significant change from the previous seasonal schedule. Beginning with five weekly Heathrow–San José flights in October 2026 and continuing with three weekly services during summer 2027, travelers will have nonstop UK–Costa Rica connectivity throughout the year.
