Direct from Detroit: Delta’s New Weekly Flight to Guanacaste Launches This December
Starting December 20, 2025, travelers from the U.S. Midwest will have a new and direct gateway to Costa Rica’s sun-drenched Pacific coast. Delta Airlines is set to launch a nonstop weekly flight from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Guanacaste Airport (LIR), offering a seamless connection to one of the country’s most sought-after destinations.
This exclusive route marks the first time Costa Rica will be directly connected to Detroit—making Guanacaste Airport the only airport in the country to offer this link. Flights will operate every Saturday aboard a Boeing 737-900 ER, with 180 seats available for passengers eager to escape the cold and discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
The timing of this route is strategic, aligning perfectly with the 2025–2026 high season. As tourism to Guanacaste continues to rise, so does demand from key U.S. markets. With this new flight, Delta strengthens its position as a major carrier into Costa Rica, joining its existing services from Atlanta, Boston, and Minneapolis.
For the region, the benefits are clear. This added connectivity opens Guanacaste to a wider audience—especially those from the northern Midwest who previously lacked a direct travel option. It also supports continued growth in the tourism sector, generating economic opportunities and enhancing accessibility for international visitors.
Recent data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) underscores the importance of this move. During the first four months of 2025, over 634,000 American travelers arrived in the country by air. The U.S. remains Costa Rica’s top source market, and its visitors are drawn to the very experiences Guanacaste delivers best—beaches, surfing, wildlife, volcanoes, canopy tours, hot springs, and authentic culinary adventures.
With Delta’s new route from Detroit, a new chapter begins for Guanacaste’s tourism landscape. It’s a step that not only improves convenience for travelers but also reinforces Costa Rica’s standing as a premier destination in the Americas. Whether for a quick tropical getaway or a deeper dive into pura vida, the journey from Michigan to the Pacific has never been easier.
We look forward to seeing you here, in Costa Rica, come December 2025!
The Costa Rica DMC Team