General Flight and Airport Information
Panama's major international airport is the Tocument International Airport (PTY) located just outside the country's capital city of Panama. The airport underwent expansion and renovation in 2006 making it one of the most modern and technologically advanced in the region. The airport serves as the main hub for Copa Airlines, which offers service through North, Central and South America. Direct
flights to Panama originate throughout the hemisphere as well as from Amsterdam and Madrid.
The airport itself has
two wings, 22 gates and is the only airport with two principal runways in the region. Visitors can expect clean, modern facilities including a cafeteria, several restaurants, duty free shops and other shopping alternatives. It is important to note that an Embarkation Tax of US$20 is levied on all departing visitors, though this is occasionally included in the price of your plane ticket.
Apart from the country's major international airport, there are more than 30 domestic airports and landing strips located throughout the country. The second largest airport is located in David, just one hour from the Costa Rican border, while the third busiest destination is the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Both of these airports also have routes to and from the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.
Most domestic flights are on tiny twin-turbo prop aircraft and prices range from about $45 to $160 for one way domestic flights and flights to Costa Rica.