Big changes are coming to air travel between South America and Costa Rica. GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s largest airline, has announced it will discontinue its direct route connecting São Paulo (Guarulhos), Brazil, and San José, Costa Rica (SJO), effective November 30, 2025. GOL cites adjustments to its flight network as the reason, assuring travelers that this isn’t a retreat from its broader international expansion strategy.
Navigating Your Options if You’re Affected
If you’ve already booked a flight on this route for travel after November 30, 2025, don’t worry! GOL is providing several options:
- Reschedule: Rebook your itinerary to fly to another destination served by GOL.
- Future Travel Credit: Receive a credit that you can use towards future GOL flights.
- Refund: Request a full refund for your ticket.
For tickets purchased using miles through GOL’s Smiles frequent flyer program, you’ll need to manage the process directly through Smiles. If you booked your flight through a travel agency, contact them for assistance with these options.
Official Word from Costa Rican Authorities
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has confirmed that the last GOL flight on this route will depart on November 29, 2025. The ICT acknowledges that GOL’s decision is based on profitability assessments, a common factor in airline route management. However, the ICT also emphasized that GOL remains open to potentially reinstating the connection in the future, leaving the door open for a possible return of direct flights between São Paulo and San José.
A Short-Lived Connection
The São Paulo-San José route was launched with much fanfare on November 12, 2024. GOL operated the route three times a week using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 176 passengers. At the time of its launch, GOL projected a significant increase in passenger traffic, anticipating growth of 20% to 30% and load factors (the percentage of seats filled) of 70% to 80%.
While the route’s discontinuation is disappointing for travelers seeking direct access between Brazil and Costa Rica, there are still numerous other airlines offering connections via other hubs in the Americas. Costa Rica remains a premier travel destination, welcoming visitors from across the globe with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. In 2023, Costa Rica welcomed over 2.3 million international visitors, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a top travel spot.
Interested in exploring alternative routes to reach Costa Rica or learning more about planning your dream vacation? Browse our website for inspiration and helpful resources to make your trip unforgettable!
