Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s largest and most strategic air terminal, reported a notable 7% rise in passenger traffic from January through May 2025. The increase translates to over 8.3 million travelers passing through its terminals during this period, according to airport authorities.
This positive momentum not only strengthens Tocumen’s position as a leading air hub in the Americas but also underscores Panama’s expanding appeal as a destination for tourism, business, and investment.
A Strategic Gateway for the Region
Currently serving more than 90 destinations across the Americas and Europe, Tocumen connects thousands of travelers each day. The airport sees an average of 55,000 daily passengers, with peak activity on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 jointly handled 73% of the airport’s total passengers during the first five months of 2025, facilitating departures, arrivals, and international connections. May alone saw nearly 1.7 million travelers pass through the airport.
José Ruiz Blanco, Tocumen’s General Manager, credited this uptick to Panama’s “robust air connectivity model,” stating that Tocumen remains “a strategic point for tourism, commerce, and international transit.”
Growing Flight and Cargo Operations
Air operations also reflected the broader growth trend. Tocumen registered 66,664 takeoffs and landings between January and May – up 7% from the same period in 2024. Thirty-seven airlines currently operate out of the airport, covering both passenger and cargo services.
Major international routes include Bogotá, Colombia (420,260 passengers), San José, Costa Rica (390,672), Miami, United States (371,830), Medellín, Colombia (352,996), and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (320,869).
Cargo activity also surged. The airport handled over 97,600 metric tons of goods and mail through May – a 15% increase year-over-year. May alone saw 20,964 metric tons, up 13% from the previous May.
What This Means for Real Estate Investors and Expats
Tocumen’s continued expansion directly supports Panama’s growing stature as a regional hub, and this benefits real estate investors, expats, and prospective homeowners alike. Accessibility is often a deciding factor for property buyers, and improved international connectivity can greatly enhance the value proposition of locations near or easily accessible from Panama City.
Communities such as Panama City itself – with its proximity to the airport – or Costa del Este, a luxury residential and commercial district favored by business travelers and multinational residents, stand to gain additional appeal. Increased passenger traffic could mean greater demand for short-term rentals, commercial space, and executive residences.
Moreover, the growth in cargo operations hints at expanding trade logistics, a sector closely tied to the real estate demand for warehouses, industrial parks, and support infrastructure.
Outlook
Tocumen’s performance signals broader economic activity and paints a positive picture of Panama’s post-pandemic recovery. From a real estate perspective, this growth reinforces Panama City’s role as a resilient and attractive base for both permanent residents and investors looking to tap into an interconnected Latin American market.
As Panama continues to attract international attention, strategic locations with good access to Tocumen will remain in high demand, particularly among expats, executives, and entrepreneurs seeking convenience and long-term value.
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Written on June 20, 2025
