Copa Airlines is significantly increasing its flight frequency to Panama’s Chiriquí Province, responding to robust passenger demand and growing international tourist interest. The Panamanian carrier will operate up to 25 weekly flights between Panama City and David by February 2026, a move that expands seat capacity by forty percent compared to last year. This expansion underscores the western province’s rising profile as both an economic hub and a premier tourist destination.
Airline executives confirmed the schedule, detailing a ramp-up from 20 weekly frequencies in October to 23 flights per week this November. The peak travel season, including the Carnival period in February, will see the full deployment of 25 weekly flights. Copa Airlines projects it will transport approximately 230,000 passengers on the domestic route in 2025, a figure they anticipate surpassing next year.
Connecting International Travelers to Western Panama
One driving factor behind the expansion is a notable surge in international connectivity. Diego Bermúdez, the Sales Director for Copa Airlines, revealed that one of every four passengers on these domestic flights originates from an international destination. The United States, Colombia, and Mexico are the primary sources for these travelers.
This demonstrates the growing interest of foreign tourists in exploring the attractions of the province, [Translated from Spanish] Bermúdez stated. He further explained, Today we are operating between 23 and 25 weekly frequencies. In high season, like Carnival, we will reach 25. This increase means 40 percent more seats than last year. [Translated from Spanish]
The increased capacity also allows for more accessible pricing. While the average round-trip fare hovers around $200, Bermúdez noted the airline has launched promotions with one-way tickets starting as low as $42. Increasing the number of seats also permits offering a greater proportion of accessible fares, he said. [Translated from Spanish] During high season, Copa will operate three daily flights on weekdays and four on weekends between Panama City and the Enrique Malek Airport in David.
Economic and Cargo Impact for the Region
The enhanced air service delivers a substantial economic boost to the entire region. Jorge Tovar, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Tourism of Chiriquí (Camchi), directly linked the increased connectivity to the area’s economic dynamism. He stated the growth percentage aligns closely with the province’s overall economic performance.
Tovar emphasized that the flight increase will translate into higher hotel occupancy, greater consumption of goods and services, and general economic growth. He provided crucial context, revealing that only 25 percent of passengers travel for leisure. The remaining 75 percent are moving for work, education, or business, highlighting a diversified and robust regional economy not solely dependent on tourism. This is further evidenced by the steady performance of other regional economies like neighboring costa rica.
The route is also a critical artery for commerce. So far in 2025, Copa has moved over 151 tons of cargo from Chiriquí to Panama City. Most of this consists of agricultural and fishery products destined for international markets including Los Angeles, Miami, Shanghai, and Dubai. Imports of flowers from Ecuador, costa rica, and Colombia are also showing consistent growth, reflecting a vibrant perishable cargo segment.
Stopover Program Drives Extended Tourism Stays
A key initiative fueling tourist traffic is Copa’s Stopover program. It allows international travelers to visit two destinations for the price of one airfare by extending a layover in Panama. Karla Guillén, Senior Manager of Sales Products for Copa Airlines, reported significant growth for the program, which is being actively pushed to strengthen tourism in the country’s interior.
We expect to close 2025 with 185,000 passengers using the Stopover program. Of these, 30 percent travel to the interior, including Chiriquí Province, [Translated from Spanish] Guillén detailed.
The airline is currently working to extend the average tourist stay from three days to five or seven days by promoting nature, gastronomy, and cultural experiences. Two hotels in Chiriquí Province, Bambito and Panamonte, are already part of the program, and Copa is seeking more local businesses to join and expand the offerings. Destinations like Tierras Altas, Volcán, and Boquete are particularly popular with foreign retirees choosing to live in or visit Panama.
Jorge Tovar further championed the province’s vast potential, pointing to its unique selling propositions for visitors. The province offers the possibility of seeing both oceans from the Barú volcano, he said, and features three national parks, one of which is shared with Costa Rica. He also highlighted the farm-to-table appeal, noting that over 80 percent of the country’s vegetables and legumes originate from Chiriquí. The Panama Tourism Authority often promotes these unique geographic and agricultural features to attract global visitors. This strategic expansion by copa airlines provides a vital link for tourists seeking these experiences.
The collective efforts of the airline, tourism authorities, and local business chambers are creating a powerful synergy. They are positioning Chiriquí as a multifaceted destination capable of drawing visitors for its natural beauty while simultaneously supporting a strong and varied economic base. This flight expansion is more than just a schedule change. It is a direct investment in the continued growth of western Panama.