Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha met with Emirates Airlines leadership this week to discuss establishing a direct air connection between Panama City and Dubai. The high-level talks occurred during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting included authorities from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport, the country’s primary aviation hub. Officials described the discussions as exploratory, focusing on the operational and commercial feasibility of a new long-haul route across the Atlantic.
“To explore the possibility of connectivity between Dubai and Panama, Minister Javier Martínez-Acha met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO of Emirates Airlines,” Panama’s Foreign Ministry stated in a social media post. [Translated from Spanish]
The proposed route would represent a significant expansion of Panama’s global air network. It directly supports the government’s strategy to position the nation as a premier logistics and connectivity center for the Americas.
Strategic Interest and Broader Diplomatic Mission
Emirati authorities expressed specific interest in Panama due to its geographic position and logistical capacity. The Gulf nation views Panama as a strategic partner for accessing Central and South American markets.
Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha began this Persian Gulf tour in Dubai. His itinerary includes participation in the 2026 World Government Summit and the Tenth International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States. Panama currently holds the pro tempore presidency of that regional body.
The minister’s trip underscores a concerted push to deepen Panama’s economic and diplomatic footprint in the Middle East. Following the Dubai visit, his official mission continues to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
In Doha, the agenda centers on attracting investment and fostering cultural and educational exchanges. The final stop will be Riyadh, where Panama recently opened a new embassy to solidify its diplomatic presence in the region.
Potential Impact on Tourism and Commerce
A direct flight operated by Emirates Airlines would dramatically reduce travel time between the two hubs. It would eliminate the need for connecting flights typically routed through Europe or the United States.
Analysts suggest such a route could boost tourism flows in both directions. It would also facilitate trade by improving cargo transport links between the Middle East and a key Latin American logistics corridor.
The talks reflect Panama’s ongoing efforts to secure strategic international partnerships. Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha has been actively promoting the country as a destination for investment and collaboration. This aviation initiative forms a core part of that broader economic outreach.
No timeline for a decision on the proposed Dubai-Panama route was immediately announced. Both parties agreed to continue technical evaluations before any formal agreement can be reached.