Tocumen International Airport is the primary international airport serving Panama City, the capital of Panama. It is one of the most important air terminals in Latin America in terms of the number of destinations. It serves more than 70 cities in the Americas, Asia and Europe, including Barbados, the Bahamas, Guyana and Belize. The airport is the only one in Latin America with these destinations.
It is also the main hub of Copa Airlines. In 2006, a major expansion and renovation program was carried out to modernize and improve services. The second phase of the airport’s expansion increased its capacity by 50%. Tocumen International Airport is a civilian airport preferred by private jets, especially for business visits.
Panama private jet charter prices
Although Tocumen Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Panama City are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 128.950 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 161.550 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 201.150 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Tocumen Airport
Tocumen International Airport was first inaugurated on June 1, 1947 by President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Brin and began operations with half of the work already completed. The administration and terminal buildings were inaugurated seven years later. The first airport, now used as a cargo terminal, was built on an area of 7.2 square kilometers and is located 41 meters above sea level.
Given Panama’s history as a transit country favored for its geographical location, this terminal was too small for the demand for air operations. This led to plans to expand the terminal, but these plans were never realized. Instead, another terminal was planned. Construction began in 1971. The Tocumen River was diverted from its original course to build the new terminal. The new terminal, also called Tocumen International Airport, opened on August 15, 1978. The inaugural flight took place on September 5 of the same year.
The airport was renamed Omar Torrijos International Airport in 1981 in honor of the Panamanian leader and was later reinstated following the removal of the local military dictatorship by the US invasion in 1989. Tocumen International Airport is one of the few airports in the region to have two runways, as the runway at the old terminal is in constant use by cargo planes and private flights, or can be used as an alternative runway to the main runway when demand is high.
Tocumen’s main runway is 3,050 meters long and is mainly used by commercial airlines. Until May 31, 2003, the airport was managed by the Dirección de Aeronáutica Civil (now Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil). As of 1 June 2003, Law No. 23 of 29 January 2003 created a new administrative organization and authorized the creation of a company, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen S.A., which currently manages the airport. This law was part of a series of laws that reorganized Panama’s entire aviation sector.
Tocumen is an important complex and hub for flights to the Caribbean, South America, North America and Central America. It also serves European cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid and Istanbul. Tocumen is a hub for Panama’s international airline Copa Airlines and its Colombian subsidiary Copa Airlines Colombia, formerly AeroRepública.
Panama City travel guide
Panama is one of the largest cities in Central America and home to the Panama Canal, one of the most important waterways in the world. The city is an attractive destination for tourists with its modern buildings, historic district and natural beauty. There are many places to visit in Panama City.
One of the most important tourist attractions in Panama City is Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district. It offers visitors a pleasant atmosphere with its historic buildings dating back to the 17th century, narrow streets and fine restaurants. Also easily accessible from Casco Viejo is the Amador Causeway, one of the best places to see the Panama Canal and the ocean. The Amador Causeway is a popular place for hiking, cycling, dining and sunset watching.
Another place to visit in Panama City is the Metropolitan Park. This park is a 265-hectare rainforest that is one of the natural beauties of the city. Visitors can see a natural habitat full of exotic animals, butterflies and plants. Also, from the hill at the top of the park, it is possible to enjoy views of the city.
Finally, another place worth visiting in Panama City is the Biomuseo. Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum tells the story of Panama’s biodiversity and ecology. The museum features interactive exhibits, digital shows and live animals.
Panama City offers many different experiences for tourists with its historical, cultural and natural beauties. Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, Metropolitan Park and Biomuseo are just some of the most popular places to visit in the city.
Ways to get from Tocumen Airport to Panama City
Tocumen Airport, the largest airport in Panama City, is located approximately 24 km from the city center. There are several options to get from the airport to the city center.
The first of these is airport taxi services. The official airport taxi company called Taxis Aeropuerto is one of the safest options for getting from the airport to the city center. The company’s taxi stand is located just outside the airport exit gate. Taxis Aeropuerto’s fares are fixed and the average travel time from the airport to the city center is 20-25 minutes.
Another option is buses. Metrobus buses passing in front of the airport provide easy access to the city center. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes from the airport to the city center. There are also offices of different car rental companies within the port.
