Panama, hub of the Americas: your guide to flights and connections
From Tocumen International Airport (PTY), the world is at your fingertips. Discover flight times, airlines, and how Panama’s connectivity boosts your life and business.
Air connectivity guide
- The hub of the Americas: your gateway to the world
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
- Copa airlines: the engine of the hub
- Services at Tocumen for the traveler
- Flight times from global hubs
- Other important airports
- Connecting with the rest of Panama
- Practical tips for your arrival
- Frequently asked questions about flights
The hub of the Americas: your gateway to the world
Panama’s exceptional air connectivity is one of its most valuable assets and a fundamental pillar of its international lifestyle. Thanks to its privileged geographical position, the country functions as the main air bridge of the continent, allowing you to be connected with the main capitals of the Americas and Europe quickly and, in many cases, directly. For the global professional or frequent traveler, living in Panama means always being just a flight away from your business and loved ones.
“The freedom to take a direct flight to Miami, Madrid, or São Paulo at any time is not just a convenience; it is a strategic advantage that defines the experience of living and doing business from Panama.”
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Known as the “Hub of the Americas,” the Tocumen International Airport is the crown jewel of Panamanian aviation and the base of operations for Copa Airlines.
✈️ A Global Hub
It is one of the airports with the most international destinations in all of Latin America, connecting more than 80 cities in over 35 countries directly.
⭐ Modern Facilities
With its recent expansion (Terminal 2), Tocumen is a modern, efficient, and comfortable airport, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and VIP lounges.
🌎 Major Airlines
In addition to Copa, major world airlines such as KLM, Air France, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, United, Delta, American, Avianca, and LATAM fly to PTY.
Copa airlines: the engine of the hub of the Americas
You can’t talk about Panama’s connectivity without mentioning Copa Airlines, the national airline. Its business model focuses on connecting secondary cities throughout the continent through a single, efficient transit point: Tocumen.
- Unmatched Network: Copa flies to more destinations in the Americas than any other airline, giving you unprecedented access to the entire continent.
- Quick and Easy Transits: The hub’s design allows for fast international connections (often in less than 90 minutes) without needing to go through immigration or customs, a great advantage for business travel.
- World-Class Punctuality: Copa is consistently recognized as one of the most punctual airlines in the world, ensuring your travels are reliable.
✈️ Business Travel and Premium Experience
Tocumen is designed for the business traveler. Beyond the VIP lounges, it offers services that streamline your passage through the airport:
- Global Entry (for U.S. citizens): Panama is one of the few countries in Latin America included in the United States’ Global Entry program, allowing for ultra-fast passage through immigration and customs when returning to the U.S.
- Private Aviation Terminal (FBO): For those traveling by private jet, the airport has a separate terminal that offers exclusive services and a completely discreet and efficient arrival and departure experience.
- Concierge Services (Meet & Greet): Several companies offer welcome and escort services that assist you from the aircraft door, speeding up your passage through immigration and baggage claim.
Services at Tocumen: a premium travel experience
The airport is designed to offer a comfortable and efficient experience, whether Panama is your final destination or you are in transit.
🛋️ VIP Rooms and Lounges
Tocumen has several VIP lounges, including the Copa Club (a member of Star Alliance) and others accessible with programs like Priority Pass, offering a quiet space to work or relax.
🛍️ Shopping and Dining
The commercial offer includes a large Duty-Free area with luxury goods, electronics, and liquor. In addition, you will find a wide variety of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining options.
🏨 Transit Hotel
For long connections, there is a hotel available within the terminal itself, allowing you to rest without needing to leave the airport and go through security checks.
Flight times from global hubs
Being connected means short travel times. Here is an estimate of direct flight times from the world’s major regions.
From North America
- Miami: ~3 hours
- Houston: ~4 hours
- New York: ~5 hours
- Toronto: ~5 hours
From Europe
- Madrid: ~10 hours
- Amsterdam: ~10.5 hours
- Paris: ~11 hours
- Istanbul: ~13 hours
From South America
- Bogotá: ~1.5 hours
- Lima: ~3.5 hours
- São Paulo: ~7 hours
- Buenos Aires: ~7.5 hours
Other important airports
Although Tocumen is the main one, Panama has other airports that may be of interest for regional or low-cost flights.
Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB)
Located at the former Howard Air Force Base, it serves some low-cost airlines and charter flights, mainly to destinations in South America.
Enrique Malek Airport (DAV)
This is the airport for David, in the province of Chiriquí. It is the gateway for those visiting or living in the popular mountain community of Boquete.
Connecting with the rest of Panama
Once in the capital, moving to other popular destinations in the country is simple. These are your main options:
🛫 Domestic Flights
For distant destinations like Bocas del Toro or David (Boquete), the airline Air Panama operates from Albrook Airport (PAC), a secondary airport in the city center.
🚐 Private Shuttles and Luxury Buses
For beach destinations like Coronado or mountain towns like El Valle de Antón, there are comfortable private transport services and luxury buses that offer a comfortable alternative to flying.
🚗 Car Rentals
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. It is the ideal option once you have validated your driver’s license.
Practical tips for your arrival
- Immigration Control: Have your passport handy and, if it’s your first entry, proof of economic solvency and an outbound ticket (even if you don’t plan to use it).
- Transportation from the Airport: The safest and most convenient way is to use ride-sharing services like Uber or hire a private shuttle service. Avoid unofficial taxis.
- Connectivity: You can buy a local prepaid SIM card at the airport to have data and communication from the moment you arrive.
Frequently asked questions about flights
What is the main airport in Panama?
The main airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY), known as the ‘Hub of the Americas.’ It is one of the most important connection centers in Latin America and the main gateway to the country for international flights.
Is it easy to get from the airport to the city?
Yes, it’s very easy. You have several options: ride-sharing services like Uber, official tourist taxis, and private shuttle services. The trip to the city center usually takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Which airlines fly to Panama?
Copa Airlines, the national airline, has the most extensive route network. Additionally, most major global airlines fly to Tocumen, including KLM, Air France, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines, and many more.
Your next destination is just a flight away
Panama’s excellent connectivity is just one of the many reasons to consider it your new home. The first step is to secure your legal status in the country.
Start Your Residency Process