TUI Airways Adds Chicago Rockford to Costa Rica Route

New Direct Charter Service to Guanacaste

Starting February 5, 2027, TUI Airways (Touristik Union International) will introduce a new seasonal nonstop charter service connecting the U.S. Midwest to Costa Rica. The route will operate between Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and Daniel Oduber-Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Guanacaste Airport. This service, marketed by Apple Vacations, is scheduled to run weekly on Fridays through April 2, 2027, according to the Airline Information - Chicago Rockford International Airport portal. The expansion utilizes TUI Airways charter flights to meet growing seasonal demand for tropical leisure travel, providing a direct link between Illinois and the Guanacaste Province.

Operational Scope and Aircraft Configuration

The flights will be operated using a Boeing 737-800NG (Next Generation) aircraft. This specific Boeing 737-800NG capacity is configured to accommodate 189 passengers. The route represents a strategic expansion of Costa Rica tourism flights, leveraging the growing trend of utilizing secondary airports to bypass the congestion often found at major hubs like Chicago O'Hare (ORD). By focusing on direct access, the service aims to capture price-sensitive leisure travelers who prioritize convenience and non-stop connectivity.

Strategic Growth at Secondary Airports

This development aligns with broader industry trends regarding the growth of secondary airports for leisure travel. Tour operators such as Apple Vacations have historically utilized RFD for seasonal winter charters to destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana. The addition of Costa Rica builds upon this proven model. According to Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), the route targets seasonal interest from Midwest travelers, offering highly favorable offers that complement regular flight operations to the country. Data from early 2026 indicates that Guanacaste Airport (LIR) has accounted for over 67% of the net growth in Costa Rica’s international air arrivals, underscoring the importance of this specific corridor.

Boeing 737-800NG vs Airbus A320ceo: Key Specifications

Regulatory and Stakeholder Context

The operation of these international charter flights is governed by the Bilateral Open Skies Agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Costa Rica Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). For the Guanacaste hospitality sector, the influx of up to 189 tourists per week represents a meaningful boost to local hotel occupancy and tourism spending. Conversely, while legacy carriers at Chicago O'Hare may see a minor diversion of leisure-focused travelers, the impact remains low compared to the overall volume of the Chicago market.

Inaugural Flight and Seasonal Timeline

The inaugural flight is confirmed for February 5, 2027. The service is scheduled to continue through the spring season, ending on April 2, 2027. This timeline reflects the seasonal nature of Midwest leisure travel, focusing on peak winter periods when demand for warmer climates is highest.

Why This Matters for Midwest Travelers

For passengers in the Illinois region, this route simplifies travel to Costa Rica by eliminating the need for connections at larger, more congested airports. The move signals a continued reliance on charter operators to fill gaps in the scheduled route network, particularly for leisure-heavy markets. As airlines and tour operators continue to refine their network strategies, the success of this RFD-LIR connection may influence future capacity allocation for secondary airport operations.