Panama’s Copa Airlines Expands to 18 US Cities – New Flights to Fort Lauderdale & Major US Destinations Set to Skyrocket!

Published on December 3, 2025

Copa Airlines, Panama’s national carrier, has grown significantly since its early days, playing a pivotal role in the development of air travel throughout the Americas. Established in 1947, it began with modest operations, using Douglas DC-3 aircraft to serve just three domestic cities. Fast forward to today, and Copa Airlines is now a major player in the aviation industry. With a focus on connecting North America and South America, Copa has expanded its operations significantly, both in terms of destinations and frequency of flights. This expansion includes a solid presence in the United States, where Copa now serves 18 cities.

The Evolution of Copa Airlines: From Domestic Routes to International Dominance

Initially, Copa Airlines operated solely within Panama, serving local markets and connecting several cities across the country. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Copa ventured beyond its borders, launching its first international routes to Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Colombia. By the 1980s, Copa had shifted entirely to international operations, leaving behind its domestic network.

Today, Copa Airlines operates with a network that extends across the Americas, strategically using Panama’s locationbetween North and South America to offer one-stop connections between regions. This development has allowed the airline to connect destinations that might not otherwise have easy access to each other, contributing to the growth of regional tourism, business exchanges, and trade.

Copa Airlines’ Expanding US Presence

Copa Airlines has developed a strong connection with the United States, an essential part of its network. The airline’s first route to the US was launched in December 1989, with flights to Miami International Airport. This marked the beginning of a sustained expansion into US markets. Today, Copa operates flights to 18 US cities, with over 66,800 scheduled flights in 2025 alone, according to aviation analytics provider Cirium. Copa Airlines has grown to become one of the primary carriers connecting Central America and the US, operating more than 300 weekly flights between Panama and the US.

Key US Markets for Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines’ growth in the US is driven by the high demand for connections between Panama and various US cities. The airline serves multiple East Coast cities, including Miami, Orlando, New York, Boston, and Baltimore, along with West Coast destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Unsurprisingly, Miami remains Copa’s largest US market, with the airline serving the route for over 36 years. Copa operates seven to eight daily flights from Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport to Miami, carrying more than 800,000 passengers annually on the route.

Other notable US cities in Copa’s network include Orlando, which is Copa’s second-largest US market. The airline has been serving Orlando for 25 years, offering six to seven daily flights between the two cities. In addition to Miami and Orlando, other cities like New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Juan, Boston, and Tampa also benefit from multiple daily departures, further strengthening Copa’s presence in the US.

Strengthening Presence in South Florida

Copa Airlines has made a strategic decision to increase its presence in South Florida, a region with significant Latin American traffic. Starting from December 8, 2025, Copa will expand its Fort Lauderdale–Panama City service to daily nonstop flights, up from the current five weekly departures. This increase in frequency is a response to the sustained demand for flights to and from South Florida, particularly driven by leisure travel and visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) traffic.

The change reflects the growing importance of Fort Lauderdale as a key destination for Latin American travelers, especially with its proximity to the Latin American community in the area. The airline first launched the Fort Lauderdale–Panama City route in 2014, and the recent adjustment underscores the demand for more connections between the two regions. According to OAG Traffic Analyzer data, over 23,600 passengers traveled between Fort Lauderdale and Panama City from August 2023 to July 2024. This growing demand for Panama-related travel is also reflected in US Department of Transportation data, which indicates that total traffic to Panama exceeded 4.3 million passengers for the year ending June 2025, marking an increase of about 11% from the previous year.

Copa Airlines’ Role in Strengthening Latin American Connectivity

By offering more frequent services and enhancing its network, Copa Airlines continues to position itself as a key player in the broader Latin American aviation market. The airline’s central hub in Panama City serves as a convenient transit point for travelers flying between North and South America, facilitating connections not only to the US but also to various countries across Central America and the Caribbean.

The airline has become a lifeline for both tourism and business in the region, offering travelers the chance to connect with a wide range of cities and countries across the Americas. Copa’s expanding network also plays a crucial role in promoting economic ties between Panama and other nations, while providing travelers with increased flexibility and access to a diverse range of destinations.

Copa’s Fleet and Growing Capacity

Copa Airlines operates a modern and efficient fleet, with the latest additions including Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. These planes are designed to provide a comfortable flying experience while ensuring fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Copa’s fleet expansion and increased frequency of flights demonstrate the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel in the Americas and beyond.

With the increase in service to Fort Lauderdale, as well as Copa’s continued expansion in other US markets, the airline is positioning itself as an increasingly essential player in the aviation industry. Whether it’s connecting business professionals or facilitating tourism, Copa Airlines continues to be a key part of the aviation landscape in the Americas.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Copa Airlines

From its early days in 1947, Copa Airlines has grown to become a significant force in the aviation industry, expanding its network across the Americas and establishing strong connections with the United States. With 18 US cities served, including key hubs like Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles, Copa continues to strengthen its presence in the region.

The airline’s strategic focus on expanding its South Florida operations, including the increase of daily flights to Fort Lauderdale, reflects its ability to adapt to market demands while positioning itself as a major player in the Latin American aviation market. With modern aircraft and an ever-expanding network, Copa Airlines is poised to remain a leading carrier in the Americas for years to come.