PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino announced that the concession process for three regional airports in the provinces of Colón, Chiriquí, and Coclé is expected to be finalized before the end of this year. The president made the statement during his weekly press conference, directing relevant authorities to expedite the procedures to ensure completion by December 31.
This initiative is a key part of the administration’s strategy to improve airport infrastructure and guarantee the profitability of these vital regional assets. Unlike initial proposals that considered a bundled concession, the government confirmed in February that each airport will be concessioned individually. This approach allows the terms to be tailored to the specific operational model and utility of each terminal.
“I told the manager of this airport to collect the fee, which is a pittance, $30. If I have a plane worth $3 million and I don’t want to pay, then I am a cheapskate,” said President Mulino [Translated from Spanish].
President Mulino used the platform to address non-payment issues at the Río Hato airport in Coclé, ordering the terminal’s manager to ensure landing and usage fees are collected. He emphasized that this measure is not an attack on private aviation but a standard practice to ensure users pay for services, as is done at any other airport globally.
Focus on Individual Concessions for Regional Hubs
The decision to proceed with individual concessions marks a significant shift in the government’s plan. By evaluating each airport—Enrique Malek International Airport in David, Chiriquí; the Scarlett Martinez International Airport in Río Hato, Coclé; and the Enrique A. Jiménez Airport in Colón—on its own merits, officials believe they can attract more suitable investment and operational partners. This method considers the unique potential of each location, from tourism in Coclé to commerce in Colón and agricultural exports in Chiriquí.
The successful concession of these airports is anticipated to spur regional economic development, improve connectivity for residents and businesses, and reduce the operational burden on the national government. The Tocumen International Airport authority, which manages the country’s main hub, has often been cited as a model of successful airport management that the government hopes to replicate in the interior provinces.
Strong Performance at Tocumen International Airport
During the same press conference, President Mulino highlighted the robust performance of Panama’s main aviation gateway, Tocumen International Airport. He reported that passenger traffic has surpassed 15 million to date, representing an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
“The authorities mentioned that they will continue working so that this airport is a ‘key platform for the country’s competitiveness,’ for which they have requested the support of international experts.”
This growth was further detailed with September’s operational statistics, which recorded 13,556 air operations—a 9% increase compared to September of the previous year. The sustained growth underscores Panama’s strategic position as a regional aviation hub in the Americas. To maintain this competitive edge, the airport’s management is focusing on continuous improvement with the assistance of international consultants.
The government’s dual focus on concessoning regional airports while bolstering the flagship Tocumen airport illustrates a comprehensive national strategy for aviation and logistics. The completion of the concession process by year’s end is now a stated priority for the Mulino administration as it works to enhance Panama’s overall infrastructure and economic competitiveness.