Panama and Tokyo Move Closer to a Direct Flight as Tocumen Completes Key Upgrades
Panama’s Tocumen International Airport has completed the specific infrastructure works requested by All Nippon Airways (ANA), bringing the country one step closer to securing a direct flight between Panama City and Tokyo.
The Japanese airline conducted a technical inspection of the airport earlier in May 2026 to evaluate the feasibility of the route. Following that visit, Tocumen carried out specialized earthworks to reduce small elevations at the end of one of its landing runways, fulfilling the technical requirements established by the airline’s specialists.
These targeted adjustments are part of a much larger infrastructure effort. Tocumen is currently executing an investment of over $56 million to comprehensively rehabilitate its two runways. The airport is managing the construction in stages, transferring work between runways to ensure that the primary regional hub can maintain its normal daily operations without interruptions.
A Star Alliance Connection
Establishing a direct flight between Tokyo and Panama City would mark a significant milestone for regional aviation, as it would become the first direct route connecting Japan with Central America.
The logistical advantages are clear. Both ANA and Panama’s flagship carrier, Copa Airlines, are members of the Star Alliance network. This partnership would allow Japanese travelers and business executives to land in Panama and seamlessly connect to dozens of destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean, solidifying Tocumen’s status as a premier global hub.
It would also open up highly efficient logistical routes for Panamanian exporters seeking to send high value goods directly to Asian markets.
The Final Decision Is in ANA’s Hands
The Panamanian government has been aggressively pursuing this connection. In July 2026, President José Raúl Mulino announced the signing of a bilateral aviation agreement between Panama and Japan, creating the necessary legal framework to permit regular commercial passenger and cargo flights between the two nations.
With the diplomatic agreements signed and the physical runway modifications successfully completed, Tocumen’s management confirmed that the final decision to launch the route now rests entirely with All Nippon Airways. The airline is currently evaluating the commercial viability, potential demand, and final operational logistics before officially announcing the new connection.
5 Things to Know
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Tocumen completed requested runway upgrades.
The airport lowered small terrain elevations at the end of a runway to meet ANA’s specific technical safety requirements.
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All Nippon Airways (ANA) is evaluating the route.
The major Japanese carrier is considering establishing the first direct commercial flight between Japan and Central America.
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Panama and Japan signed a formal aviation agreement.
In July 2026, both governments established the legal framework to permit regular passenger and cargo flights.
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Star Alliance could facilitate regional connections.
Because ANA and Copa Airlines both belong to Star Alliance, passengers could easily connect from Tokyo to the rest of Latin America via Panama.
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Tocumen is investing heavily in its infrastructure.
The targeted earthworks are part of a broader $56 million project to rehabilitate both of the airport’s landing runways without interrupting daily operations.
