Copa Airlines inaugurated a new direct route from Panama City to Los Cabos, Mexico this Thursday. The inaugural flight departed from Tocumen International Airport with 95 percent of seats occupied, signaling strong initial demand for the beach destination.
The Panamanian carrier will operate three weekly flights to the Mexican resort area on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This expansion adds a key leisure destination to the airline’s network, known as the Hub of the Americas, which connects travelers from across Latin America.
New Route Attracts Regional Travelers
According to Copa Airlines sales director Diego Bermúdez, the route is already drawing passengers from multiple countries. He noted the flight serves as a convenient single-connection point for tourists from various South and Central American cities.
“We are talking about a destination that will receive our flights three times a week. We have passengers from San Jose, Costa Rica, Panama, Bogota, Medellin, Buenos Aires, and also from Santiago, Chile,” Bermúdez said. [Translated from Spanish]
The launch event took place at Terminal 2 of Tocumen International Airport. Passengers gathered at the gate for flight CM801, many traveling in family and friend groups ready to experience the famous landscapes where desert meets the sea.
One of those passengers, Damaris Sánchez, spoke with reporters about her plans. She was celebrating a special occasion with the inaugural journey.
“I am happy because I have always wanted to visit Los Cabos. It is an honor that they have scheduled this flight. I could not miss it for my birthday, so I am going to celebrate there,” Sánchez commented. [Translated from Spanish]
Strengthening the Copa Airlines Network
The airline stated this new connection strengthens its overall destination portfolio. It allows passengers to travel more efficiently without additional layovers. The move is part of a broader strategy by Copa Airlines to capture a larger share of the regional tourism market.
Industry analysts view Los Cabos as a strategic addition. The destination has grown in popularity among international travelers seeking high-end resorts and outdoor activities. Direct access from Panama’s hub simplifies travel for a significant portion of Latin America.
The airline continues to evaluate and adjust its network based on passenger demand. This launch follows other recent route developments by the carrier, which has maintained operations in complex markets while expanding to new leisure destinations. For more on the airline’s network decisions, see our previous report on how copa airlines aeropuerto strategies are formed.
Passenger reactions at the gate were overwhelmingly positive. The high occupancy rate on the first flight suggests the route will perform well. Copa Airlines officials expect it to become a staple for vacationers from Panama and connecting countries.
Travelers can now book the direct service through the airline’s website and travel agencies. The expansion increases options for Panamanians and transit passengers alike, offering a streamlined path to one of Mexico’s most attractive Pacific coast destinations. The airline’s hub model at Tocumen, detailed in our coverage of the aeropuerto internacional, is central to these connectivity gains.