Tag: panama

Panama City Pacifico International Airport is a bustling commercial airport situated in Panama. Its location is significant as it resides on the premises of the former Howard Air Force Base, which was a United States Air Force base within the Panama Canal Zone. To reach Panama City, one can conveniently cross the nearby Bridge of the Americas.

Positioned 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of Balboa, the port located at the Pacific (southeastern) terminus of the Panama Canal, the airport finds itself in an area largely uninhabited, forming part of the Canal Zone watershed.

Panama experienced notable advantages following the closure of the air base. Portions of the former military base have been repurposed to accommodate call centers for technology companies like Dell Computer.

An exciting annual event, the Panamanian National Air Show, takes place at Panama City Pacifico International Airport, typically scheduled on the last Sunday of January.

Commercial airline services were introduced in 2014, with Viva Air Colombia pioneering operations to Bogotá and Medellin. In June 2017, Wingo commenced flights to Colombia as well. However, VivaColombia halted its operations at Panama City Pacifico International Airport in May 2018, citing high taxes as the reason for their discontinuation.

Changuinola International Airport, known as Aeropuerto Internacional “Capitan Manuel Niño” in Spanish, serves as the primary airport for Changuinola, the capital of the Changuinola District in the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama. The airport is named in honor of the first Panamanian pilot, Captain Manuel Niño.

Situated in an agricultural region, the airport is located 6 kilometers (4 miles) inland from the picturesque Caribbean coast and approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the border with Costa Rica. Positioned at an elevation of 19 feet (5.8 meters) above mean sea level, Changuinola International Airport boasts a single runway designated as 03/21. This runway features an asphalt surface and measures 1,100 meters in length and 25 meters in width (3,609 feet × 82 feet), ideal to serve different types of private jets.

The airport terminal is a two-story building, resembling the terminal structure of Enrique Malek International Airport. It provides the necessary facilities and services for travelers passing through Changuinola. Adjacent to the terminal, you will find the air traffic control tower, as well as hangars belonging to Bocas Fruit Co. and ATOPAN (aerial fumigation).

Changuinola International Airport, or “Capitan Manuel Niño” Airport, serves as a vital transportation hub for the Changuinola District, providing convenient access to both domestic and international travelers. Its location within an agricultural region contributes to the transportation of goods and supports economic activities in the area.

Enrique Malek International Airport, known as Aeropuerto Internacional Enrique Malek in Spanish, is an international airport located in David Sur, a city in the Chiriquí Province of Panama.

The construction of Enrique Malek International Airport initially took place in 1941 as part of a collaborative agreement between the United States and Panama. During World War II, the airport was referred to as David Field or San Jose Field and served as an auxiliary airfield for Howard Field near Panama City. It played a crucial role in accommodating various personnel of the United States Army Air Forces, primarily engaged in training and reconnaissance missions along the Southeast Pacific coastline. These missions extended from Honduras in the north to Peru in the south, forming part of the defense strategy for the Panama Canal.

During periods of high travel demand, the airport handles around 900 operations per month, catering to approximately 20,000 passengers from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Central America.

To enhance the airport’s infrastructure, the Panamanian legislature passed a funding measure of approximately US$12 million, to facilitate various improvements, including the expansion of the runway to accommodate heavier aircraft. Between 2008 and 2009, the airport ramp and fueling facilities underwent expansion. In 2010, the runway extension project commenced, increasing its length from 2,100 to 2,600 meters (6,900 to 8,500 feet).

The previous terminal was demolished and replaced with a new one, which facilitated the commencement of daily flights by Air Panama and Copa Airlines from the international terminal, connecting David Sur to various destinations.

Enrique Malek International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the Chiriquí Province, providing convenient air travel options for both domestic and international travelers. The airport’s continuous improvements and expanded facilities contribute to the region’s economic growth, tourism, and connectivity.

Tocumen International Airport, known in Spanish as Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, serves as the primary international airport for Panama City, the capital of Panama. It holds the distinction of being the home base for Copa Airlines and functions as a regional hub connecting the Caribbean, South America, North America, Central America, and even offering routes to select European cities.

The construction of the current passenger terminal required significant earth-moving efforts and the diversion of the Tocumen River from its original course. The modern passenger terminal was inaugurated on August 15, 1978, and commenced operations on September 5 of the same year. Tocumen International Airport stands out in the region due to its possession of two runways capable of accommodating the largest commercial aircraft currently in service.

In 1981, the airport’s name was changed to Omar Torrijos International Airport by the military government, as a tribute to the Panamanian leader who tragically died in a plane crash in Cerro Marta, Coclesito, under adverse conditions. However, following the fall of the dictatorship in Panama due to the U.S. invasion in 1989, the original name, Tocumen International Airport, was reinstated.

The original runway, primarily handles cargo and private flights. However, during periods of high traffic, it also serves as a supplementary runway to support the primary runway. The main runway, spans 3,050 meters in length and 45 meters in width (10,007 ft × 148 ft), playing a crucial role in facilitating commercial flights.

Tocumen International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub, accommodating both passenger and cargo flights, catering to a wide range of travel and logistical needs. The connecting Panama City with the rest of the world. With its modern infrastructure, diverse flight offerings, and strategic location, the airport plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism, trade, and economic growth in Panama and the surrounding regions.

Bocas del Toro International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” in Spanish, is a public airport situated approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) northwest of the central area of Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro is a town located on Isla Colón, part of the Bocas del Toro Province in Panama. The airport is alternatively referred to as José Ezequiel Hall International Airport.

Operating from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, Bocas del Toro International Airport is equipped with a control tower and runway lights, ensuring safe operations during the designated hours. The airport features a single runway that is aligned in an east-west direction, catering to the needs of various aircraft. The infrastructure at Bocas del Toro International Airport is designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including business jets such as the Bombardier Global Express, Gulfstreams, and Dassault Falcon.

For international arrivals, it is important to note that passengers must clear Panamanian customs and immigration procedures at Bocas del Toro International Airport. This process ensures compliance with Panamanian regulations and facilitates a smooth transition for travelers entering the country.

Bocas del Toro International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the town of Bocas del Toro, Isla Colón, and the Bocas del Toro Province to the rest of Panama and the world. The airport serves as a vital transportation hub for tourists, residents, and businesses operating in the area. Its strategic location and operational capabilities allow for efficient travel and contribute to the growth of tourism, trade, and economic development in the region.