New routes, strategic alliances, and seasonal flights are reshaping the air travel landscape in Latin America. It’s not just about adding destinations: airlines are building connections that boost local economies, revive tourism, and anticipate the next regional hubs. From the Andes to the Caribbean, this overview highlights the most important developments in the sector. Which airlines are expanding their presence? Which countries are gaining in connectivity? We break it all down for you here.
Guanacaste attracts North American airlines
Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia (Costa Rica) is establishing itself as one of the main winter destinations for the Canadian market. WestJet will operate exclusive flights from Vancouver and Winnipeg between December 12, 2025, and April 25, 2026.
Flight schedules between Vancouver (YVR) and Liberia (LIR) – Fridays
- Flight WS 2034: YVR 12:05 a.m. – LIR 9:21 a.m.
- Flight WS 2035: LIR 10:30 a.m. – YVR 4:30 p.m.
Flight schedules between Winnipeg (YWG) and Liberia (LIR)
- Flight WS 2234: YWG 11:40 p.m. – LIR 6:01 a.m. (+1) – Fridays
- Flight WS 2235: LIR 7:00 a.m. – YWG 1:27 p.m. – Saturdays
These flights, added to existing direct routes from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, confirm the importance of this airport, which offers the strongest connectivity between Costa Rica and Canada.
Copa Airlines strengthens ties between the U.S. and Panama
San Diego (California) is now connected to one of Latin America’s major air hubs through four weekly flights.
Flight schedules between San Diego (SAN) and Panama (PTY) – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays
- Flight CM 850: SAN 8:12 p.m. – PTY 5:20 a.m. (+1)
- Flight CM 847: PTY 1:15 p.m. – SAN 5:07 p.m.
Travelers departing from Panama will also benefit from new routes to Los Cabos (Mexico) and the reinstatement of flights to Santiago de los Caballeros (Dominican Republic) and Salvador de Bahia (Brazil). With these additions, the airline now serves91 destinations in 32 countries, further solidifying its continental network.
Also read: Los Cabos – Harmony Between Nature and Luxury in the Heart of Baja California
Air Europa expands its presence in Ecuador and Panama
The Spanish airline reorganized its South American network in 2025, launching direct flights between Madrid and Quito, and between Madrid and Guayaquil, each with three weekly frequencies.
Flight schedules between Madrid (MAD) and Quito (UIO) – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
- Flight UX 137: MAD 1:40 a.m. – UIO 5:35 a.m.
- Flight UX 138: UIO 11:30 a.m. – MAD 4:55 a.m. (+1)
Flight schedules between Madrid (MAD) and Guayaquil (GYE) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Sundays
- Flight UX 39: MAD 1:40 a.m. – GYE 6:10 a.m.
- Flight UX 40: GYE 11:15 a.m. – MAD 5:10 a.m. (+1)
At the same time, the Madrid–Panama route has increased from five to seven weekly flights, now operating daily. This expansion reflects the recovery of European tourism toward the Andes and the reinforcement of Madrid as a hub for the Americas.
Flight schedules between Madrid (MAD) and Panama (PTY) – Daily
- Flight UX 55: MAD 3:05 p.m. – PTY 6:40 p.m.
- Flight UX 56: PTY 8:25 p.m. – MAD 1:15 p.m. (+1)
Also read: Guayaquil – An Unforgettable Journey to the Pearl of the Pacific
Aeromexico launches direct route between Philadelphia and Mexico City
As part of its strategy to expand in the northeastern United States, Aeromexico has launched a direct route between Mexico City and Philadelphia, operated in partnership with Delta. This daily flight supports both tourism and business or academic travel, given the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Flight schedules between Philadelphia (PHL) and Mexico City (MEX) – Daily
- Flight AM 609: PHL 10:01 a.m. – MEX 12:55 p.m.
- Flight AM 608: MEX 1:15 p.m. – PHL 8:15 p.m.
Emirates to operate daily flights between Dubai and Buenos Aires
Starting October 26, 2025, Emirates will offer daily service between Dubai and Buenos Aires, with a stopover in Rio de Janeiro. This marks an upgrade from the current five weekly flights and meets rising demand between Argentina, Brazil, and the Middle East. Operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, this route ensures smooth connections to Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Delta and LATAM bet on Peru as a strategic hub
At Peru Travel Mart, Delta Air Lines reaffirmed its commitment to Peru’s tourism development, highlighting the country’s cultural, culinary, religious, and sports potential. Through its joint venture with LATAM, Delta is building a network that connects the U.S. and Canada with eight South American countries: Peru, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and now Argentina.
According to Delia Ortega, Delta’s regional director for Peru and Ecuador, this integration improves the customer experience, increases passenger benefits, and meets growing demand. The global recognition of Peruvian cuisine (with Maido ranked top worldwide), the impact of recent religious events, and upcoming international sports competitions in cities like Atlanta and New York place Peru in a key strategic position in the region. New routes and frequencies are currently being evaluated.
Latin America is no longer just a destination – it’s making a statement. With every new air route, the region is reshaping itself, reinventing from the skies and continuing to prove that it never disappoints those who land there.
Photos: Emirates | Copa Airlines | Delta News
