List of Airports in Panama
As of 2024, there are 39 airports throughout the country of Panama according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Panama are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Panama
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Achutupo Airport | ACU | Achutupo | Small |
| 2 | Ailigandi Airport | AIL | Ailigandi | Small |
| 3 | Bahia Pinas Airport | BFQ | Bahia Pinas | Small |
| 4 | Balboa Airport | BLB | Balboa | Small |
| 5 | Bocas Del Toro Airport | BOC | Bocas Del Toro | Small |
| 6 | Caledonia Airport | CDE | Caledonia | Small |
| 7 | Carti Airport | CTE | Carti | Small |
| 8 | Changuinola Airport | CHX | Changuinola | Small |
| 9 | Chitre Airport | CTD | Chitre | Small |
| 10 | Colon Airport | ONX | Colon | Small |
| 11 | Contadora Airport | OTD | Contadora | Small |
| 12 | Corazon De Jesus Airport | CZJ | Corazon De Jesus | Small |
| 13 | El Porvenir Airport | PVE | El Porvenir | Small |
| 14 | El Real Airport | ELE | El Real | Small |
| 15 | Enrique Malek Airport | DAV | David | Small |
| 16 | Garachine Airport | GHE | Garachine | Small |
| 17 | Jaque Airport | JQE | Jaque | Small |
| 18 | La Palma Airport | PLP | La Palma | Small |
| 19 | Mamitupo Airport | MPI | Mamitupo | Small |
| 20 | Mulatupo Airport | MPP | Mulatupo | Small |
| 21 | Nargana Airport | NGN | Nargana | Small |
| 22 | Paitilla Airport | PAC | Panama City | Small |
| 23 | Playon Chico Airport | PYC | Playon Chico | Small |
| 24 | Puerto Armuellas Airport | AML | Puerto Armuellas | Small |
| 25 | Puerto Obaldia Airport | PUE | Puerto Obaldia | Small |
| 26 | Rio Alzucar Airport | RIZ | Rio Alzucar | Small |
| 27 | Rio Sidra Airport | RSI | Rio Sidra | Small |
| 28 | Rio Tigre Airport | RIT | Rio Tigre | Small |
| 29 | Sambu Airport | SAX | Sambu | Small |
| 30 | San Blas Airport | NBL | San Blas | Small |
| 31 | San Miguel Airport | NMG | San Miguel | Small |
| 32 | Santa Fe Airport | SFW | Santa Fe | Small |
| 33 | Santiago Airport | SYP | Santiago | Small |
| 34 | Ticantiki Airport | TJC | Ticantiki | Small |
| 35 | Tocumen International Airport | PTY | Panama City | Medium |
| 36 | Tubala Airport | TUW | Tubala | Small |
| 37 | Tupile Airport | TUE | Tupile | Small |
| 38 | Ustupo Airport | UTU | Ustupo | Small |
| 39 | Yaviza Airport | PYV | Yaviza | Small |
Major Airports in Panama
1. Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Airport Code:
PTY
Time Zone:
Panama Standard Time (PST) – UTC -5
Address:
Tocumen International Airport, Avenida Domingo Díaz, Tocumen, Panama City, Panama
Nearby Cities:
- Panama City – 15 miles
- San Miguelito – 19 miles
- Colon – 42 miles
- David – 252 miles
- La Chorrera – 22 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Copa Airlines (primary hub)
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Air France
- KLM
- Iberia
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 16 million passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located in the eastern part of Panama City, is the largest and busiest airport in Panama. It is strategically situated as a major hub for Copa Airlines, the country’s national carrier, which makes it an important gateway for international flights, particularly to and from North, Central, and South America.
Tocumen was inaugurated in 1947 as a small airstrip and has grown significantly over the decades to accommodate Panama’s growing international trade and tourism sectors. The airport’s most significant expansion came in 1999 when it underwent a major renovation to handle more passengers and increase its capacity for international travel. Today, Tocumen International is recognized as one of the key airports in the Americas due to its strategic location in Panama, which allows it to serve as a connecting point for flights between North and South America.
Tocumen also plays a vital role in Panama’s economy, serving as a key logistical hub for the Panama Canal and supporting both tourism and business activities in the region. The airport has continued to expand its infrastructure, including the opening of a second terminal (Terminal 2) in 2019, which has increased its capacity to handle over 20 million passengers annually.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Tocumen International Airport has two runways:
- Runway 1: Length 10,171 feet (3,100 meters)
- Runway 2: Length 10,171 feet (3,100 meters)
Both runways are capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, making Tocumen one of the few airports in the region that can accommodate such aircraft. The airport features modern infrastructure, with a main terminal (Terminal 1) and an additional Terminal 2, which opened in 2019. Terminal 2 is designed to serve long-haul international flights and features state-of-the-art amenities for passengers, including a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Tocumen offers efficient ground transportation, including taxis, buses, and car rentals, as well as easy access to Panama City and the surrounding regions. The airport’s facilities also include lounges, baggage handling services, and VIP services, providing a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
2. Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB)
Airport Code:
BLB
Time Zone:
Panama Standard Time (PST) – UTC -5
Address:
Panama Pacifico International Airport, Panama Pacifico, Howard, Panama
Nearby Cities:
- Panama City – 15 miles
- Balboa – 5 miles
- Coronado – 40 miles
- Arraijan – 10 miles
- La Chorrera – 15 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Copa Airlines (seasonal)
- Spirit Airlines
- Air Panama
- Wingo
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB), located in the Panama Pacifico area near Howard, is a secondary international airport in Panama. It was originally a U.S. military base known as Howard Air Force Base until its decommissioning in the early 1990s. The area was redeveloped into a civilian airport, and Panama Pacifico has grown over time to serve both international and domestic flights.
The airport is strategically located close to Panama City and the Panama Canal, making it an attractive alternative for travelers who need quick access to these areas. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to Tocumen International Airport, Panama Pacifico has seen steady growth and serves as a base for low-cost airlines, including Spirit Airlines and Wingo. It is also used for cargo flights, helping to support Panama’s role as a global logistics hub.
The airport is positioned in the midst of a significant economic zone, Panama Pacifico, which is home to various business and industrial developments. The airport serves the growing demand for both business and tourism travelers, providing a more convenient and less congested alternative to Tocumen for certain destinations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Panama Pacifico International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: Length 9,842 feet (3,000 meters)
The runway is capable of handling medium to large aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. It is not designed for large wide-body jets like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380, but it can accommodate most commercial aircraft. The terminal at Panama Pacifico is small but offers essential services like check-in counters, baggage claim, and duty-free shopping.
Although the airport is not as large as Tocumen, its modern infrastructure, including lounges and ground transportation services, allows for a comfortable travel experience. The airport has been expanding its facilities to handle increasing passenger traffic and to meet the growing demand for flights to the region.
3. David Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV)
Airport Code:
DAV
Time Zone:
Panama Standard Time (PST) – UTC -5
Address:
David Enrique Malek International Airport, David, Chiriquí Province, Panama
Nearby Cities:
- David – 3 miles
- Boquete – 26 miles
- Puerto Armuelles – 45 miles
- Chiriquí Grande – 70 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Panama
- Copa Airlines
- Nature Air
- Alas Chiricanas
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
David Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) serves the city of David, located in the Chiriquí Province in western Panama, near the border with Costa Rica. The airport is essential for regional travel, connecting Panama’s western provinces with the capital and other international destinations. The airport is named after David Enrique Malek, a prominent figure in Panamanian aviation.
The airport opened in 1995, primarily serving domestic flights, although it has seen an increase in international traffic in recent years, particularly to and from Costa Rica. David is a growing commercial and agricultural hub, with close ties to Costa Rica, making the airport an important point of entry for travelers moving between the two countries.
David Enrique Malek International has been expanded over the years to accommodate the growth in both passenger traffic and cargo shipments, driven by the region’s agricultural exports and the tourism sector. The airport has become an essential gateway for both Panamanians and international visitors traveling to Chiriquí Province and the popular Boquete area, which is known for its coffee plantations and hiking trails.
Facilities and Infrastructure
David Enrique Malek International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: Length 8,858 feet (2,700 meters)
The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, but does not have the capacity to handle larger wide-body aircraft. The airport’s terminal offers essential services, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and a limited selection of food and beverage outlets.
As the gateway to western Panama, David Enrique Malek International Airport is crucial for the region’s growing tourism industry. The airport is well connected to the city of David and surrounding areas via taxis, buses, and car rentals.
4. Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC)
Airport Code:
BOC
Time Zone:
Panama Standard Time (PST) – UTC -5
Address:
Bocas del Toro International Airport, Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
Nearby Cities:
- Bocas Town – 0 miles
- Changuinola – 45 miles
- David – 250 miles
- Boquete – 260 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Panama
- Copa Airlines (seasonal)
- Skyway Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC) is located on the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of Panama. The airport serves the popular tourist destination of Bocas del Toro, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and eco-tourism opportunities. The airport is a key gateway for travelers heading to the archipelago from Panama City and other regions.
The airport opened in the 1970s as a small domestic airport to serve local residents and tourists. Over time, it has grown to handle increased demand from both the tourism sector and regional air travel. Bocas del Toro is a prime destination for international tourists, particularly those from the United States and Europe, which has contributed to the growth in passenger traffic at the airport.
Bocas del Toro is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse wildlife, attracting eco-tourists, backpackers, and families. The airport’s location on Isla Colón allows for easy access to the islands and surrounding areas, which are popular for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bocas del Toro International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: Length 5,600 feet (1,707 meters)
This runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 on shorter regional flights. The airport’s terminal is modest, with basic facilities like check-in desks, baggage claim, and a few small shops.
The airport is vital for supporting the tourism-driven economy of Bocas del Toro, and while it is not as large as Panama City’s airports, it plays a key role in the connectivity of Panama’s Caribbean region. With ongoing improvements and increased demand, Bocas del Toro International is well-positioned to continue its role as the gateway to one of Panama’s most famous tourist destinations.
