Jazmin Li
Panama has over 100 airports for domestic flights, making it the country with the most private airstrips per square mile in the world. The Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is the country's main hub and the busiest airport in Central America, offering direct flights to 82 cities in 36 countries across the Americas and Europe. The airport has two runways capable of accommodating the largest commercial aircraft and serves as a connection point between South America, the Caribbean, and North America. Other notable airports in Panama include the Panama Pacifico International Airport, Scarlett Martinez International Airport, and the Isla Colon International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Tocumen International Airport, Panama City Tocumen Airport, Panama International Airport (PTY) |
| Location | 24 km (14.9 miles) northeast of Panama City |
| Year of Inauguration | 1 June 1947 |
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Number of restaurants | 1 |
| Number of lounges | 3 (including 2 VIP lounges) |
| Area | 720 ha (1,800 acres) |
| Height above sea level | 126 ft (38 m) |
| Number of flights | 19.2 million (in 2024) |
| Airlines | Emirates, COPA, AirPanama |
| Transport to and from the airport | The MiBus, Panama Metro, taxis, Uber, car rentals |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tocumen International Airport
The airport was inaugurated on June 1, 1947, by President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez, and operations began before construction was completed. The administrative building/passenger terminal was inaugurated seven years later during the administration of Colonel José Antonio Remón Cantera. The old airport building, which is now used as a cargo terminal, was built on an area of 720 ha (1,800 acres) and is 126 ft (38 m) above sea level. Due to the increasing demand for air operations, the airport underwent expansion in 1971, and a new terminal building was constructed by diverting the bed of the Tocumen River. The new terminal opened on August 15, 1978, and operations commenced on September 5.
Orlando Airport's Speedy Security Lines: How and Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Panama Pacifico International Airport
The airport has modern infrastructure and offers comfortable services for passengers and private flight operators. It has become a major hub for domestic and international flights, particularly on low-cost routes. The runway has full instrument approach facilities, with a length of 3,000 metres (including displaced thresholds).
Commercial airline service at Panama Pacifico International Airport began in 2014, with VivaColombia operating flights to Bogotá and Medellin. Since then, the airport has received regular commercial flights from South and Central America and the Caribbean, mainly utilising Boeing 737 aircraft. In 2021, the airport became the base of operations for Wingo Panama, a Colombian ultra-low-cost carrier. The airline operates domestic flights to David, as well as international flights to destinations in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
The airport was closed for two years and four months during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which it underwent extensive remodelling and expansion. This included the construction of a new passenger terminal, with improved boarding and arrival areas, baggage carousels, commercial spaces, and renovated bathrooms and air conditioning systems. The airport reopened on July 28, 2022, with the resumption of commercial flights by Aeroregional, offering flights to Quito, Loja, and Machala.
Kahului Airport: Food Options and Eateries
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scarlett Martinez International Airport
The airport primarily serves the Pacific Riviera area and handles both domestic and international flights, especially during the peak season. Scarlett Martinez International Airport boasts modern infrastructure, providing comfort and accessibility for travellers exploring the region. The airport facilities include security, immigration, customs, a spacious parking area, and a tunnel facilitating expeditious transit with the Pan-American Highway.
The airport was constructed on an airfield built by the United States in 1942, becoming Panama's first international airport until the construction of Tocumen International Airport in 1947. In 2011, the Panamanian government initiated a $53.2 million project to revitalise the airport. This extensive restoration project entailed rehabilitating the runway and airport terminal and constructing a tunnel for the Pan-American Highway, which previously intersected the runway.
Southwest's Departure: Exploring Akron-Canton Airport's Loss
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport
The Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, also known as Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, is located in Panama City, Panama. It is a small regional airport that mainly serves domestic flights within Panama and some international flights. The airport is named after Marcos A. Gelabert, and it is the second-largest airport in Panama, housing the country's second-largest airline, AirPanama.
The airport offers daily flights to every major town and city in Panama, including multiple daily flights to David, Chiriqui, with AirPanama. It is easily accessible from the city centre of Panama City by taxi or ride-sharing services, and it is served by city buses. The airport has various dining options, including restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. It is also located near attractions such as the Metropolitan Natural Park and shopping centres.
Gelabert International Airport is also known by its airport code, PAC. It offers flights to various destinations, including Miami, Bogotá, San José, Medellín, and Guayaquil. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight departure time at this airport, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays when passenger traffic is typically higher.
Airport Strategy: Monopoly Board Game Secrets Revealed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Enrique Malek International Airport
Panama has over 100 airports for domestic flights, making it the country with the most private airstrips per square mile in the world. One of these airports is Enrique Malek International Airport, which is located in David, Chiriqui, Panama. Known as David Field or San Jose Field during World War II, the airport was first built in 1941 as part of an agreement between the U.S. and Panama. It served as an auxiliary of Howard Field, accommodating United States Army Air Forces personnel dedicated mostly to training and reconnaissance missions over the Southeast Pacific coastline, from Honduras in the north to Peru in the south, as part of the defense of the Panama Canal.
The airport has undergone renovations, with the former terminal being demolished and a new one built. Daily flights from Copa Airlines and Air Panama are received at the new international flight terminal. Car rentals are also available at the new terminal.
Montgomery Alabama: Airport Accessibility and Connectivity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Tocumen International Airport is the main airport in Panama and is located 24km northeast of Panama City. It is the busiest airport in Central America.
The airport has car rental services, VIP lounges, and a metro station nearby.
Yes, there are over 100 airports in Panama, including Panama Pacifico International Airport, Scarlett Martinez International Airport, and Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International Airport.
