News

Panama is looking to reactivate several regional airports as part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism and economic activity beyond Panama City.

Officials from Tocumen International Airport have proposed new five-year operation and maintenance contracts for airports in David and Río Hato, two facilities that currently operate at a loss. The goal is to improve efficiency, attract airlines, and transform these airports into gateways for tourism and job creation in the interior of the country.

Río Hato serves as a key access point to Panama’s Pacific beaches, while David connects travelers to the highlands of Chiriquí, including destinations such as Boquete, known for its mountain scenery, coffee farms, outdoor tourism, and a growing collection of high-end mountain hotels, residential projects, and developments planned for the coming years.

Improved regional connectivity could help accelerate tourism to these areas, supporting beach communities, emerging hospitality developments, and mountain destinations that are increasingly attracting both international visitors and real estate investment.

Government estimates suggest that revitalizing the regional airport network could generate up to $8 billion in social and economic benefits tied to tourism, along with thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

For Panama, the strategy reflects a broader effort to unlock the tourism potential of the country’s interior and strengthen its position as a diverse destination offering beaches, mountains, and nature within a few hours of the capital.