Panama’s main air hub, Tocumen International Airport, continues to strengthen its role as a top travel gateway in the Americas. From January to July 2025, the airport handled more than 11.9 million passengers, reflecting a solid 7% growth compared to the same period last year.
In July alone, passenger traffic reached 1.88 million, with connecting flights making up nearly three-quarters of the total. This underscores Tocumen’s strategic importance as a regional connection point linking Latin America and the Caribbean to North America and Europe.
Most Popular Routes
According to airport reports, the five destinations with the highest demand over the past seven months were:
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Bogotá, Colombia – 601,302 passengers
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San José, Costa Rica – 543,918 passengers
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Miami, United States – 529,926 passengers
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Medellín, Colombia – 498,146 passengers
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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – 461,289 passengers
These figures highlight Panama’s growing appeal not only as a business and logistics hub but also as a leisure gateway for travelers heading to and from key regional cities.
Operations on the Rise
Between January and July, Tocumen registered 94,981 flight operations, up 7% compared to 2024, which translates into 6,577 additional flights. Of these operations, 89% were commercial passenger flights, 7% were cargo, 3% were general aviation, and 1% included charter, military, or technical flights.
On average, the airport manages 424 daily operations across 14 commercial airlines and 17 cargo carriers. Its network currently connects Panama with 86 direct destinations throughout South America, the Caribbean, North America, Central America, and Europe.
Cargo Movement Expands
Beyond passenger traffic, cargo activity has also surged. In the first seven months of the year, Tocumen mobilized 138,275 metric tons of goods and mail, representing a 16% increase compared to 2024. This growth strengthens Panama’s standing as a logistics hub for the region.
Why This Matters
For travelers, expats, and residents alike, Tocumen’s sustained growth translates into more flight options, better connectivity, and improved services. As Panama City keeps expanding its role as a global crossroads, nearby communities like Costa del Este and Tocumen remain particularly well connected, offering convenience for both frequent flyers and international visitors.
