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Panama boasts well-developed airports and is an ideal tourism destination largely due to its location. Between major international airports and small regional airstrips, air travel and airports in Panama connect the country with global destinations and domestically. Tocumen International Airport, Panama City’s airport, is the largest and busiest hub, and other airports to reach various regional airports are Enrique Malek and airports in Bocas del Toro. Airports make the experience of arriving in Panama City or travelling to one of the many islands seamless and rewarding. Having an insight into aviation airports in Panama is imperative for smooth travel.
Major Airports In Panama
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to the major airports in Panama, which will ensure a smooth travel experience.
1. Tocumen International Airport
Photo: TomasVial / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is Panama’s largest and most important airport, where most international flights land and take off. Found 24 km from Panama City, a multitude of destinations in the Americas and in Europe can be reached from Panama. Copa Airlines, based at PTY, connects many destinations, so the airport is a major transit point for travel in Latin America. The expansion of Terminal 2 has increased the passenger capacity of the airport, making it even better with more shopping and food options along with easier immigration services. Tocumen International Airport is one of the most important airports in Panama, as it contributes to the growth of tourism and trade. It manages 15 million passengers.
Places To Visit Nearby: Panama Viejo ruins, Amador Causeway, Panama Canal
2. Panama Pacifico International Airport
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Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB) is a key player among airports in Panama, offering a strategic location just 15 km from Panama City. The former U.S. Air Force base has now become a commercial airport to provide support to the Panama Pacifico special economic area. Unlike Tocumen International, which handles regular carriers, the BLB offers low-cost carriers, cargo operations, and charter flights, which is a good alternative airport for business people and tourists. This airport has a single runway and a terminal that has been remodelled and refurbished for the budget airline Wingo. The Panama Pacifico business district, which is rapidly expanding, complements the area’s attractiveness. There is synergy with business activities due to easy access to and from global industrial hubs.
Places To Visit Nearby: Amador Causeway, Panama Canal Miraflores Locks, Biomuseo Museum
3. Enrique Malek International Airport
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Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) is located in the town of David (Chiriquí) in Panama and acts as an important economic and tourist hub for the region of Western Panama. Initially a military air facility, it became a commercial airport after being refurbished in 2013 with substantial renovations to meet expanding regional requirements. With a 2,600-meter asphalt runway for mid-size jets, it is a major gateway for tourists going towards Boquete’s coffee farms and along the Pacific. Unlike DAV, whose name is managed by Tocumen S.A., there are also frequent domestic and international flights at the airport by Air Panama and Copa Airlines. While the airport is small in size, it helps with cargo transport for the exportation of agricultural products from Panama.
Places To Visit Nearby: Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, Barú Volcano National Park, Los Cangilones de Gualaca
4. Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport
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Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC) is one of the most important airports in Panama, primarily located on an island in the Pacific. A small airport situated on Isla Colón that connects visitors to the Caribbean’s tourism hotspot, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Most flights at BOC are domestic, including flights that regularly operate from Panama City’s Albrook Airport (PAC). It also has flights to Costa Rica during certain seasons. The lone runway accommodates small planes, which keeps the tourist numbers flowing. In addition to its laid-back terminal, the BOC serves as a gateway for eco-tourists, surfers, and divers.
Places To Visit Nearby: Bastimentos National Marine Park, Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), Red Frog Beach
5. Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport
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Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport (PAC) in Panama City is a primary centre for domestic travel from the capital to remote areas of the country. It opened in 1999 on the site of a former U.S. airport base, replacing the city’s old airport. PAC usually operates short-haul flights, and Air Panama has frequent routes to Bocas del Toro, David, and Guna Yala. The airport is small, but it does have a 1,800-meter (5,905-foot) asphalt runway that handles turboprop planes. Close to Albrook Mall and the Panama Canal, it is conveniently located for travellers needing fast access to business areas or tourist hotspots. Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport is home to some aviation schools that train pilots in Panama.
Places To Visit Nearby: Panama Canal Miraflores Locks, Metropolitan Natural Park, Amador Causeway
6. Scarlett Martínez International Airport
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Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH), or Río Hato Airport in Río Hato, Coclé, Panama, is a significant entry point for travellers to the Pacific coast resorts of the country. The airport, which began as a U.S. military airstrip in 2013, was redeveloped and reopened for commercial use to enhance tourism in the area. Its 2,450-meter runway, which can accommodate mid-range aircraft, helped attract flights from Canada and other international locations. The airport mainly services the luxury beach resort areas of Playa Blanca, Santa Clara, and Farallón, which are famous for their resorts and great sandy beaches. The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort and Royal Decameron are all-inclusive resorts that tourists can access through RIH, managed by Tocumen S.A.
Places To Visit Nearby: El Valle de Antón, Playa Blanca, Farallón Beach
7. Changuinola “Capitán Manuel Niño” International Airport
Photo: Panamafly / Wikimedia Commons
Captain Manuel Niño International Airport (CHX) is located in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Though small, it is significant. It is at an elevation of 19 ft (5.8 metres) above mean sea level, with one runway with an asphalt surface measuring 1,100 m × 25 m (3,609 ft × 82 ft). CHX plays an important role in supporting tourism and local business connectivity from the sea/coastal areas of the Caribbean. Despite having a strong national presence, the airport does not see a lot of international flights. However, it does facilitate the movement of local people and tourists who visit Bocas del Toro to enjoy the beautiful beaches and corals in tropical islands.
Places To Visit Nearby: Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Sixaola River, San San Pond Sak Wetlands
8. Jaque Airport
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Jaqué Airport (JQE) is a small yet vital airport in the Darién Province of Panama, serving the remote town of Jaqué. It is one of the lesser-known airports in Panama and mainly serves domestic flights from Panama City, connecting this remote area to the capital. Initially, it had a grass runway; then, in 2003, around 850 meters of the runway were paved with concrete. Since there are no feasible roads due to the heavy rainforest and the rugged terrain, the airport helps transport goods, medical supplies, and people to the places that need them. The small Air Panama plane, which operates to and from the airport regularly, lands on a runway surrounded by trees and greenery.
Places To Visit Nearby: Darién National Park, Playa de Jaqué Beach, Indigenous Embera Villages
9. Ruben Cantu Airport
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Rubén Cantú Airport (SYP), located in Santiago, Veraguas, Panama, is an important airport for central Panama. It was originally used as a military base before it was adapted for civilian use. It supports domestic flights while improving connections in the region. The airport has a 3,937-foot asphalt runway to cater to small and medium-range planes. It primarily focuses on domestic travel, which plays an important role in accessing Veraguas’ eco-tourism sites like surf beaches at Santa Catalina and marine wildlife at Coiba National Park. Further, the airport also enables faster movement of cargo, helping local businesses access wider markets for their agro-based products. Rubén Cantú Airport has recently improved its navigation facilities and extension of infrastructure.
Places To Visit Nearby: San Francisco de la Montaña Church, Reserva Forestal La Yeguada, Coiba National Park
10. San Jose Airport
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San José Airport (IATA: SIC) is a small but important airstrip at San José Island, part of the Las Perlas Archipelago of Panama. This is a small airport mainly for charter and private flights connecting the island with Albrook Airport in Panama City. So, it is very important for tourists and resort guests. Unlike larger airports in Panama, San José Airport operates with limited infrastructure, catering mainly to light aircraft. Its location encourages eco-tourism and sportfishing, two pastimes that draw people to the area. Visitors looking to escape the city are attracted to the island’s unspoilt beauty, reflected in the airport’s short runway and lack of facilities.
Places To Visit Nearby: Isla San José Beach, Isla Contadora, Pearl Islands Marine Park
Panama’s airports are critical links to the world, whether for tourists or business travel. Panama Airport Guide will inform you about everything you need to know about the airports in Panama. The country has the bustling Tocumen International Airport and several regional airports, such as Enrique Malek and Bocas del Toro, that all serve a purpose. Whether you’re visiting the town or some remote island, these airports will ensure travel without a hitch. Plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy great deals on flights and travel-related services. Enjoy the beauty of Panama with access to all the important destinations via its various airports.
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