Copa Airlines Expands US-Panama Routes, How This Growth is Boosting Panama’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

Published on December 3, 2025

Copa Airlines expands US‑Panama routes: how this growth is boosting Panama’s tourism and hospitality sector. As Copa Airlines extends its US‑Panama connections, Panama is seeing a fresh wave of travellers — and its hotels, resorts and hospitality businesses are gaining momentum. New nonstop flights make the country far easier to reach from the United States. Panama’s tourism numbers are climbing. Hotels are filling up. Visitors now arrive not just for beaches or the canal — but for vibrant city life, cultural excursions, eco‑tourism and a wide variety of stays. For travellers, this means more choice, better connectivity, and new reasons to visit Panama — whether for a week‑long getaway, a stopover en route to Latin America, or a longer immersive vacation.

Copa Airlines Expands US-Panama Routes: How This Growth is Boosting Panama’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

Panama is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, driven in large part by Copa Airlines’ expansion of its US-Panama routes. With more frequent flights and a wider network, Copa Airlines is connecting travelers from across the United States to the heart of Central America. This growth is not just beneficial for the airline, but for the entire tourism and hospitality sector in Panama. In this article, we’ll explore how Copa Airlines’ route expansions are benefiting Panama’s tourism, the growing hospitality industry, and what it means for tourists looking to visit this emerging destination.

Copa Airlines’ Expanding US-Panama Routes: A Game Changer for Panama’s Tourism

Copa Airlines has long been a key player in connecting Panama with the Americas. Over the past few years, the airline has gradually expanded its US network, offering more flights to major cities across the United States. Copa’s hub at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City has become a critical connector for flights traveling throughout North, South, and Central America.

As of 2025, Copa Airlines operates more than 300 weekly flights to the United States, serving 18 cities. From Panama City, travelers can fly to major US destinations including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, and Chicago. Copa has also recently added new routes, such as its service to San Diego, and has expanded frequency on popular routes like Fort Lauderdale. This expansion is crucial for Panama’s tourism sector, as it provides travelers from the US and beyond with easier access to the country’s vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and rich history.

The Growing Impact of Copa Airlines’ US-Panama Flights on Panama’s Tourism Sector

The increased frequency of Copa Airlines flights from the US has had a notable effect on Panama’s tourism industry. In 2024, Panama saw a 10% increase in international visitors compared to the previous year. Much of this growth can be attributed to the increased air connectivity offered by Copa Airlines. As of early 2025, over 2.78 million international visitors were recorded, with US travelers making up a significant portion of this figure.

Panama’s tourism is no longer confined to the traditional tourist hotspots. With Copa’s growing network, travelers can now easily access Panama’s off-the-beaten-path destinations. The rise in US tourists has fueled demand for both leisure and business travel, as Panama City has become a hub for international conferences, events, and meetings. The boom in tourism is not only benefiting airlines but also the local economy, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Fort Lauderdale and Miami: A Strong Connection to Panama

One of the most notable recent changes is Copa Airlines’ decision to expand its Fort Lauderdale-Panama City route to daily nonstop flights starting December 2025. This is a clear indication of the growing demand for Panama as a travel destination, particularly from the South Florida region. Fort Lauderdale is a popular departure point for Latin American travelers, and the addition of daily flights further strengthens the connection between the US and Panama. Copa Airlines has been serving this route since 2014, and the expansion reflects sustained interest from both leisure travelers and the growing Latin American community in South Florida.

In 2024, over 23,600 passengers traveled between Fort Lauderdale and Panama, highlighting the strong demand for the route. Additionally, the US Department of Transportation reported that total traffic between Panama and the United States exceeded 4.3 million passengers for the year ending June 2025, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in demand speaks volumes about the growing appeal of Panama as a tourism destination.

Copa Airlines’ Stopover Program: A Unique Opportunity for Tourists

Another exciting development for tourists is Copa Airlines’ Stopover program. This initiative allows travelers to stop in Panama for up to seven days at little to no extra cost when flying between the US and other Latin American or Caribbean destinations. The program not only benefits the airline but also provides tourists with the opportunity to explore Panama’s natural beauty, culture, and vibrant cities before heading to their final destination.

The Stopover program has become a popular choice for travelers looking to maximize their trip to Latin America. In 2024 alone, over 160,000 tourists used the Stopover program, a 25% increase from the previous year. Tourists are attracted to Panama’s unique offerings, including its rainforests, beaches, and cosmopolitan cities like Panama City, where travelers can experience the famous Panama Canal, colonial architecture, and bustling markets. The Stopover program also helps drive revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, which are benefiting from the growing influx of visitors.

Panama’s Hospitality Sector: Ready for the Surge

As more travelers arrive in Panama, the hospitality sector is gearing up for increased demand. Panama’s hotel industry has experienced steady growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue with Copa Airlines’ expanded US routes. In 2024, Panama saw a significant increase in hotel bookings, particularly in Panama City, where international brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have established a strong presence.

While the overall hotel occupancy rate in Panama is still improving, with a national average of 50-60%, the demand for accommodations in Panama City and popular tourist destinations such as Bocas del Toro and Boquete is rising rapidly. This has led to an increase in hotel investment and development, particularly in luxury and boutique properties that cater to international tourists seeking unique and high-quality experiences.

Luxury hotels in Panama City, such as the American Trade Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria Panama, have reported strong performance thanks to the rise in international visitors. The addition of new international hotel brands is also contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a luxury travel destination. As the tourism sector continues to flourish, the hospitality industry is expected to see even more growth, with new developments and renovations happening across the country to accommodate the influx of tourists.

How Copa Airlines is Shaping Panama’s Future in Tourism

The partnership between Copa Airlines and Panama’s tourism industry has created a robust foundation for future growth. The airline’s strategic expansion is not only helping the country maintain a strong presence in the global tourism market but also attracting more international investments. The influx of US travelers, combined with Copa’s continued efforts to expand its network, is positioning Panama as a leading hub for business, leisure, and cultural tourism in the region.

With Copa Airlines’ expanding flight network, travelers have access to an ever-growing number of destinations within Panama. This makes it easier for tourists to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling Panama City to the serene beaches of San Blas and the lush mountains of Chiriquí. In the coming years, we can expect even more international flights to Panama, which will undoubtedly boost the country’s profile as a must-visit destination in the Americas.

What Tourists Need to Know: Travel Tips and Flight Details

For tourists planning to visit Panama, here are a few travel tips and essential flight details:

1. Book Early for Best Deals: Copa Airlines offers competitive prices for flights to Panama. Booking in advance can help you secure the best rates, particularly during peak travel seasons like the holidays and summer.
2. Nonstop Flights from Major US Cities: Copa Airlines operates nonstop flights from major US cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Check flight schedules and ensure that you book your flight well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
3. Consider the Stopover Program: If you’re traveling to South America or the Caribbean, take advantage of Copa Airlines’ Stopover program. This will allow you to explore Panama without adding significant costs to your flight.
4. Explore Beyond Panama City: While Panama City is a vibrant destination, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Panama’s beautiful beaches, mountain towns, and indigenous communities. Bocas del Toro, Boquete, and the San Blas Islands are just a few of the stunning places to visit.
5. Pack for Warm Weather: Panama is warm year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for exploring.
6. Plan for Rain: While Panama enjoys a tropical climate, there is a rainy season from May to November. If you plan to visit during this period, be prepared for afternoon showers, particularly in the rainforest regions.
7. Visa and Entry Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Panama. US citizens can travel to Panama visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the latest visa requirements before booking your flight.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Panama’s Tourism and Hospitality

Copa Airlines’ expanding US-Panama routes are playing a crucial role in driving Panama’s tourism sector to new heights. The airline’s strategic growth, combined with the success of its Stopover program, is making Panama more accessible to travelers from across the globe. This growth is benefiting not only the airline but also the country’s booming hospitality industry, as more visitors arrive to explore Panama’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and thriving urban centers.

Copa Airlines expands US-Panama routes, sparking a surge in tourism and reshaping Panama’s hospitality landscape. With more flights and easier access, this is the perfect time for travelers to explore Panama’s vibrant culture and stunning destinations.

As Panama continues to see rising demand from international tourists, the hospitality sector will continue to develop, providing more options for travelers seeking everything from luxury accommodations to eco-friendly hotels. With Copa Airlines leading the way, Panama is positioning itself as one of the top travel destinations in the Americas, and the future looks bright for both tourists and the local tourism industry.