Ruth Haines
Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (IATA: PAC, ICAO: MPMG) is a small, public airport located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama. It is a former air force station that was constructed after World War I due to concerns over the safety of the Panama Canal. The airport offers daily flights to cities in Panama and other countries, and is served by city buses and taxis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport |
| Location | 1.5 kilometres (1 mi) west of Panama City, Panama |
| Type | Public airport |
| Former Name | Albrook Air Force Station |
| Former Location | Paitilla Punta Paitilla |
| Transportation | Taxi, ride-sharing services, bus, metro |
| Airlines | Air Panama |
| Construction Authorized | 1928 |
| Construction Started | 1930 |
| Construction Completed | 1932 |
| Transfer to Panama | 1979 |
| Transfer to Panama Completed | 1997 |
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What You'll Learn
History
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is a small regional airport located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama. It was constructed on the site of the former Albrook Air Force Station, which was previously an air base known as Albrook Army Airfield.
After World War I, military planners recognised the threat of air power to the Panama Canal. The existing airfield, France Field, was inadequate, so Congress authorised the construction of a new air base at Albrook Field in 1928, appropriating $1.9 million for the project. Construction began in 1930, and Albrook Army Airfield was commissioned in April 1932.
The airport was transferred to the government of Panama on October 1, 1979, as part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, which returned the land surrounding the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. The airport saw action during the 1989 United States invasion of Panama and was the site of an extended firefight at its front gate.
The station was officially turned over to the Government of Panama on September 30, 1997, and vacated by the U.S. Department of Defense. The airport was previously located in the area of Paitilla Punta Paitilla for approximately 70 years until January 1999, when operations were moved to its current location.
Today, Albrook Airport offers daily flights to various cities in Panama and other countries through Air Panama, which has its corporate headquarters on the airport property. The airport also features shopping centres and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before their domestic flight departure time, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays when passenger traffic is higher.
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Location
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is located 1.5 kilometres (1 mi) west of the centre of Panama City, in the Panamá Province of Panama. The airport is on the site of the former Albrook Air Force Station and Albrook Army Airfield. Before January 1999, the airport was located in the area of Paitilla Punta Paitilla, where it operated for approximately 70 years.
The airport is served by city buses, with a direct bus service from Albrook Bus Terminal to the nearby Panama Canal and Miraflores Visitor Center. The bus departs from platform Bahia 4 at Albrook Bus Terminal and takes 20 minutes to arrive at the bus stop outside the visitor centre entrance. The Albrook Bus Terminal is easily accessible from all parts of the city by bus and metro line 1. A one-way trip by bus costs 0.25 PAB / USD, but you can only pay with a card for public transportation.
The closest metro station to the airport is Estación 5 de Mayo, which is a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo. To use the metro and/or bus, you must have a public transport card (Tarjeta Metro, MetroBus or RapiPass), which costs 2.00 PAB / USD and is available at metro stations and the Albrook Bus Terminal.
The airport is also accessible by taxi and ride-sharing services, with taxi rides usually costing no more than a few dollars.
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Transport options
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama. The airport is served by a range of transport options, providing easy access to and from the city centre.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport, offering a convenient way to get to your destination. A typical taxi ride within the city usually costs no more than a few dollars.
Ride-sharing Services
Ride-sharing services are also accessible at the airport, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. These services can be requested through mobile applications, offering flexibility and convenience.
Bus
The airport is connected to the city's bus network, with the Albrook Bus Terminal located nearby. A one-way bus trip costs 0.25 PAB (USD), and you can reach the Miraflores Locks, one of the country's most popular landmarks, by taking bus line C810 directly from the terminal.
Metro
Panama City's Metro de Panamá network is another affordable option for travellers. The metro consists of two lines: Line 1, connecting San Isidro to Albrook, and Line 2, connecting Nuevo Tocumen to San Miguelito. A one-way metro trip costs 0.35 PAB (USD). To use the metro, you need to purchase a Tarjeta Metro, MetroBus, or RapiPass card, which costs 2.00 PAB (USD) and is available at metro stations and the Albrook Bus Terminal.
Car Rental
For those who prefer to drive themselves, several car rental companies operate at the airport, including well-known brands such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz, as well as local providers.
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Attractions nearby
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama. The airport is served by city buses, and there are various official parking options, from premium to low cost. If you want to travel to the city centre by public transport, you have to walk 500 metres to the bus stop on Paseo Andrews street and take bus line C820 to Albrook Bus Terminal. The metro in Panama is mainly used by locals, not tourists.
There are several attractions near the airport. The Panama Canal and Miraflores Visitor Centre is the country's most visited landmark, accessible by taxi and bus. A one-way trip by bus costs 0.25 PAB / USD, but you can only pay with a public transport card. There is a direct bus service from Albrook Bus Terminal to Miraflores Locks, which takes 20 minutes.
The San Blas Islands and Isla Taboga are also accessible by boat for day trips. The Metropolitan Natural Park is another nearby attraction.
There are shopping centres and restaurants located within the airport premises, offering both local and international cuisine.
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Facilities
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is a small regional airport located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama. It was constructed as an airbase after World War I due to the perceived threat that air power posed to the Panama Canal. The airport offers various facilities for travellers, including both official and alternative parking options, with premium and low-cost choices available. The airport can also be accessed via taxi and public transport, including buses and the Metro de Panamá network. A Tarjeta Metro, MetroBus, or RapiPass is required for using public transport and can be purchased for 2.00 PAB/USD at metro stations and the Albrook Bus Terminal.
The airport is served by several dining options, including restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. Travellers can also visit shopping centres within the airport premises. Additionally, there are nearby attractions to explore during layovers, such as the Metropolitan Natural Park and the Panama Canal with the Miraflores Locks and Visitor Centre. The visitor centre can be reached via a direct bus service, bus line C810, from the Albrook Bus Terminal, which is accessible by bus and metro.
For accommodation, there are hotels near the airport, ranging from three-star to five-star ratings. These hotels offer various amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service, game rooms, restaurants, and fitness centres. Car rental services are also available at the airport from companies like Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Alamo, Hertz, and local providers.
Jodogo is a service that simplifies the airport experience by offering meet-and-greet services, lounge access, and luxurious limousine transfers. They also provide assistance with booking tickets, activities, and tours in the city and surrounding areas, such as day trips to the San Blas Islands and Isla Taboga. Air Panama, with its corporate headquarters located at the airport, offers daily flights to various cities in Panama and other countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport is located 1.5 kilometres west of Panama City, Panama.
You can get to the airport by taxi, ride-sharing service, bus, or metro.
The airport has shopping centres and restaurants on its premises. Nearby attractions include the Metropolitan Natural Park and the Panama Canal.
