Part of what makes Panama so attractive to tourists, and businesses, is its location. It is the bridge between North and South America, straddling two oceans, and connecting two continents. It is a small country, with a small population; but, the amount of people who travel to, and through Panama is immense. And it’s increasing by the day. Panama has almost doubled the amount of international direct flights in the past ten years, and shows no signs of slowing down soon. Here’s a quick overview of traveling in and out of Panama, and what options you have, for business or pleasure.
New International Flights to and from Panama
International direct flights are on the rise in Panama, and Copa Airlines is leading the charge. Copa Airlines is the national carrier of the Central American nation, and also one of its most successful homegrown businesses. What started out as essentially a Caribbean air service has now grown into one of the biggest carriers on the continent. Business and tourism are booming in Panama, and Copa is taking advantage of it. Since 2012, Copa has added 10 new direct flights to the capital, from major destinations in the US and Latin America. These include Las Vegas, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Montreal, and Tampa, to name a few. They have also added extra flights to some of their more popular routes, such as New York, Orlando, and Miami, which all have multiple daily non-stops.
Copa’s not alone, either. European carriers such as Iberia and KLM have stepped up to the plate by enhancing their long-haul flights to run more often, and with bigger aircraft to cities in Spain and Holland. As of June 2014, there are 72 cities with non-stop flights serving Panama City, with plans by multiple airlines to add at least 5 more in the next year.
Panama Airport Construction/Renovation
In preparation for the increase in travel volume, Panama’s international airport, Tocumen, has been undergoing a major renovation over the past two years. The airport, located just outside of the city, is adding terminal space, parking, and extra runways to handle the increased volume of international flights.
There also a new international airport, in the Pacific beaches region of the country, that has opened in the last year, to handle excess international flights. The airport, in Rio Hato, is currently taking charter flights from North America, and will be expanding to handle more commercial volume in the next 2-3 years. The Pacific beaches region is home to some of the biggest resorts in the country, as well as convention centers, meant to facilitate both business and tourist traffic.
Panama Domestic Air Travel
Despite its small size, Panama has a very good network of domestic air services. There is one commercial domestic airline, called Air Panama, which services many small cities and popular remote destinations in the country. Fares on Air Panama may seem high, as volume is low, and there are few flights. There are also a number of domestic buses, which operate at a fraction of the cost of airfare. To cross the country, from the capital to border by bus will cost around $20 each way. To fly, you will pay anywhere between $60-$150 each way for short-haul trips.
Whether you’re in Panama for a short visit, or need to get in and out regularly for business, international transport is getting easier, and more popular. With its key location, and efficient transportation options, Panama has truly become the hub of the Americas.
