Debate Over Albrook Airport Relocation Brings Uncertainty for Panama City

The recent statement by Henry Faarup, Panama’s railway secretary, suggesting that the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Albrook could be relocated to Panama Pacífico has ignited a wave of concern. The idea is tied to the proposed Panama-David train, which would require Albrook’s current location to make way for a central station.

While the government clarified that no final decision has been made and that studies are still underway, the aviation community and businesses operating at Albrook fear that the move is already set in motion.

Costs, Timeline, and Logistics

According to Rafael Bárcenas, director of the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), relocating operations to Panama Pacífico could exceed $100 million. That figure does not include the cost of building over 200 new hangars currently in use at Albrook. If approved, the process would likely span three years, from studies and design to construction.

This would not be the first time the airport has faced the possibility of relocation. In fact, when the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal was announced, Albrook’s land was also flagged as strategic for road access.

Concerns From the Aviation Sector

Albrook’s central location is its strongest asset. Just minutes from downtown and only four kilometers from major hospitals, the airport handles over 80% of Panama’s medical transfer flights. It also supports 21 charter companies, two airlines, multiple aviation schools, and a range of maintenance services, sustaining more than 1,500 families.

The Coalition for National Aviation and the Panamanian Union of Commercial Pilots (Unpac) argue that relocating the airport would undermine a thriving industry. They’ve asked the government to hold binding consultations with users and warn that moving operations to Panama Pacífico – a less accessible site – would complicate logistics for passengers and companies alike.

Real Estate and Development Outlook

If the airport were moved, the 200 hangars and commercial spaces at Albrook would be left behind, potentially opening high-value land for redevelopment. That possibility fuels speculation that, over time, Albrook could transform into a new mixed-use hub, blending residential, commercial, and transport infrastructure.

For investors, this type of change can significantly alter the property landscape. On one hand, Albrook real estate could appreciate if the land is repurposed for high-density development. On the other, the convenience that currently draws buyers and renters to the area may shift toward Panama Pacífico if it becomes a new aviation and transport center.

Bárcenas also confirmed that current hangar contracts would eventually revert to the state, meaning users would need to reinvest heavily in new facilities at Panama Pacífico, where construction costs are estimated at two to three times higher.

Upgrades Continue at Albrook

Interestingly, while this debate unfolds, the AAC is investing in upgrades to the Albrook terminal and runway. Improvements include a new roof, electrical and air-conditioning systems, renovated bathrooms, and updated counters and passenger areas – a sign that the airport remains fully operational in the short and medium term.

What’s Next?

Technical and financial studies for the Panama-David railway are expected to be released by the end of the year. These findings will likely determine whether Albrook keeps its role as Panama City’s metropolitan airport or transitions into a different type of urban development.

For now, both residents and investors should watch closely. Whether it’s preserving Albrook’s strategic role in aviation or reimagining the site for new city projects, the outcome will reshape two key communities: Albrook and Panama Pacífico.

Casa Solution is here to help you navigate Panama’s evolving property landscape. Whether you’re exploring opportunities in central city neighborhoods or emerging hubs like Panama Pacífico, our team can guide you every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today at +507 6611-6049 or visit CasaSolution.com to discover your best options in Panama real estate.

Written on: September 12, 2025