British Airways Expands Costa Rica Flights for Winter 2026
British Airways Expands Costa Rica Flights for the 2026–2027 Season
Updated August 28, 2026
British Airways is expanding its Costa Rica service for the 2026–2027 winter season, increasing flights from three to five per week and moving the London departure point from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Heathrow Airport (LHR).
The flights will continue serving Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), commonly called San José Airport, giving travelers from the United Kingdom and connecting European markets more options for reaching Costa Rica.
Quick Answer
Beginning October 25, 2026, British Airways plans to operate five weekly flights between London Heathrow Airport and Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. The airline currently operates three weekly services from Gatwick. The expanded schedule is planned through March 2027 and strengthens Costa Rica’s nonstop air connectivity with the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
British Airways will increase Costa Rica service from three to five weekly flights.
The expanded schedule begins October 25, 2026.
The London departure airport will move from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport.
Flights will continue arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Services are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
British Airways plans to use Boeing 787-8 aircraft on the route.
The expanded winter schedule is expected to continue through March 2027.
What Is Changing With British Airways Flights to Costa Rica?
British Airways is adding two weekly frequencies to its Costa Rica schedule as part of its winter 2026–2027 network expansion.
The most significant change is the move from London Gatwick Airport to London Heathrow Airport, British Airways’ primary international hub.
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the new schedule will operate five days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The London departure is currently scheduled for approximately 11:10 a.m., arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport at approximately 4:40 p.m.
The return flight is scheduled to depart Costa Rica at approximately 6:55 p.m. and arrive at Heathrow at approximately 11:05 a.m. the following day.
Travelers should always confirm final flight times directly with British Airways because airline schedules can change.
Why Does the Move to London Heathrow Matter?
Moving the Costa Rica route to Heathrow could make connecting travel easier for passengers arriving from other cities in the United Kingdom, Europe and international markets served through the British Airways network.
Heathrow is British Airways’ principal hub and provides considerably more connecting opportunities than Gatwick.
The change therefore represents more than an increase in weekly flights. It also improves Costa Rica’s integration into British Airways’ broader international network.
The United Kingdom remains an important European tourism market for Costa Rica. Costa Rican Tourism Institute statistics recorded 15,741 British travelers arriving by air during the first two months of 2026.
Arriving at San José Airport
British Airways flights will continue arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela near the Greater San José metropolitan area.
Travelers continuing to destinations around the country can review available San José Airport transportation routes before arriving in Costa Rica.
San José Airport provides convenient road access toward destinations including San José, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, La Fortuna, the Central Pacific coast and other regions.
Because the British Airways flight is currently scheduled to arrive during the late afternoon, passengers traveling outside the Central Valley should plan their onward transportation in advance.
Ground Transportation After Arrival
International passengers should allow enough time after landing for immigration, baggage collection and customs procedures before meeting their transportation provider.
Travelers who want transportation coordinated around their flight arrival can consider private transportation in Costa Rica.
Private transfers generally provide more flexibility for international arrivals because pickup can be coordinated according to the passenger’s flight and destination.
Travelers looking for a more economical option can also review shared shuttle services. Shared shuttles operate on fixed schedules, so availability depends on the destination and whether the departure time works with the flight arrival.
Visitors can also compare destinations through the Costa Rica shuttle route directory.
What Should Travelers Plan Before Flying?
Passengers traveling during the 2026–2027 winter season should verify that their reservation lists London Heathrow Airport rather than Gatwick.
This is especially important for travelers booking connecting flights, hotels or ground transportation in London.
Travelers arriving in Costa Rica should also consider the scheduled 4:40 p.m. arrival when planning transportation beyond San José or Alajuela.
Driving times can vary significantly depending on the final destination, traffic, weather and road conditions.
For longer transfers, travelers should confirm whether same-day transportation is practical before finalizing their itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will British Airways increase flights to Costa Rica?
British Airways plans to begin its expanded Costa Rica schedule on October 25, 2026. The airline will increase service from three to five weekly flights for the 2026–2027 winter season, with the higher frequency expected to continue through March 2027.
Which London airport will British Airways use for Costa Rica flights?
British Airways will move its Costa Rica route from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) beginning in October 2026. Travelers should verify the airport shown on their reservation before arranging connections or transportation in London.
How many British Airways flights to Costa Rica will operate each week?
British Airways plans to operate five weekly flights between London Heathrow and Costa Rica. The scheduled operating days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Which airport in Costa Rica does British Airways use?
British Airways flies to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), commonly called San José Airport. The airport is located in Alajuela and is Costa Rica’s primary international gateway for the Greater San José area and many Central and Pacific destinations.
Can travelers arrange transportation after arriving on British Airways?
Yes. Travelers arriving at San José Airport can continue by private transportation, shared shuttle, rental car or other ground transportation. Private transfers offer greater scheduling flexibility, while shared shuttles operate according to fixed departure times and destination availability.
Conclusion
British Airways’ expanded Costa Rica flights for the 2026–2027 season will increase the route from three to five weekly services while moving operations from London Gatwick to London Heathrow.
The change improves nonstop capacity between the United Kingdom and Costa Rica while also providing travelers with stronger connection opportunities through British Airways’ Heathrow network.
Passengers arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport can review San José Airport transportation routes in advance to plan the next stage of their Costa Rica journey.