Panama Airports Guide

Introduction

Complete information on Panama City Airport (PTY), Panama Pacífico (BLB), Albrook (PAC), David (DAV), Bocas del Toro (BOC) and Río Hato (RIH) Airports.

Panama is one of the main air hubs in the Americas. Most travelers arrive through Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, but that’s only part of the story. The country also has secondary airports that serve low-cost airlines, domestic routes, beach resorts and eco-tourism hotspots like Bocas del Toro and Boquete.

Tocumen handles most long-haul international flights and onward connections across North, Central and South America. Meanwhile, airports like Panamá Pacífico (BLB) and Albrook / Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC) focus on low-cost and domestic travel.

This guide breaks down every major airport in Panama, airport codes, transfers, car rentals, airport hotels, duty free shopping, and the real difference between PTY, BLB and PAC (which confuses a lot of first-time visitors).

Main Airports in Panama and Their Airport Codes

Tocumen International Airport – PTY

Location: East side of Panama City.
Role: Main international gateway, main hub of Copa Airlines, long-haul and regional flights. When people say “Panama City airport,” they almost always mean PTY.

Panamá Pacífico International Airport – BLB

Location: West side of Panama City, in the former Howard Air Force Base area.
Role: Secondary/low-cost international airport for Panama City. Budget carriers use BLB for direct point-to-point routes in Latin America.

Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (Albrook) – PAC

Location: Albrook, next to Albrook Mall and the national bus terminal in Panama City.
Role: Domestic airport for internal flights within Panama (Bocas del Toro, David/Boquete, etc.).

Enrique Malek International Airport – DAV

Location: David, in Chiriquí Province (western Panama).
Role: Gateway to Boquete’s highlands and Pacific beaches. Linked to Panama City by nonstop flights.

Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport – BOC

Location: Bocas Town, Isla Colón, Caribbean side.
Role: Direct access to the Bocas del Toro archipelago (surf, dive, overwater bungalows). Multiple daily domestic flights from Panama City.

Scarlett Martínez International Airport – RIH (Río Hato)

Location: Río Hato, Coclé Province, along the Pacific beach resort corridor (Playa Blanca / Santa Clara).
Role: Airport for the all-inclusive beach resorts west of Panama City, often served by charter and seasonal international flights.

Knowing which code (PTY, BLB, PAC, DAV, BOC, RIH) matches your ticket prevents landing in the wrong place or booking the wrong transfer.

Panama City Has Three Different Airports

Panama City is served by PTY, BLB and PAC. They are not in the same location and they serve different types of flights:

1. Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Tocumen is Panama’s main international airport, one of the busiest connection hubs in Latin America.

It’s located about 20–25 km east of central Panama City. A normal ride to downtown hotels takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tocumen handles almost all long-haul flights, most routes from the U.S. and Canada, and the majority of Central and South American connections through Copa Airlines.

PTY continues to add new routes and attract new/returning airlines, increasing nonstop connectivity to North America, Mexico and long-haul destinations.

2. Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB)

Panamá Pacífico Airport sits on the west bank of the Panama Canal, in the redeveloped area of the former Howard Air Force Base.

It’s about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Panama City, typically reached by crossing the Bridge of the Americas.

BLB is used mainly by low-cost airlines offering direct, no-frills routes to regional cities (for example, Panama City–Bogotá and other Latin American destinations).

The terminal is smaller and more relaxed than PTY. BLB is convenient if you’re staying on the west side of the Canal or heading out quickly toward Pacific coast beaches.

3. Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC / “Albrook Airport”)

PAC is the domestic airport in Panama City, right next to Albrook Mall and the main national bus terminal.

It’s extremely close to downtown and Casco Viejo, often just a short 10-minute taxi ride in light traffic.

PAC is the base for domestic carriers (like Air Panama), with frequent nonstop flights to places like Bocas del Toro (Caribbean islands) and David (gateway to Boquete).

Expect a very local vibe: short security lines, fast boarding, minimal fuss.

Practical tip: A common itinerary is to land at PTY (international), then connect to a domestic flight from PAC to Bocas del Toro. You cannot simply “walk to the next gate.” You must clear immigration and customs at PTY, collect your bags, drive across the city to PAC, and re-check in. Build at least 4 hours of buffer time between those flights because Panama City traffic can vary wildly.

Tocumen International Airport (PTY): Full Guide

Location, Code and Layout

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is on the eastern side of Panama City, around 20–25 km from the downtown hotel zones.
PTY currently has two passenger terminals:
Terminal 1 (the original/older terminal)

Terminal 2 (the newer expansion)

A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 throughout the day. The ride between terminals is roughly 8–10 minutes.
Airlines are split between both terminals, so always check your boarding pass for the correct departure terminal.

Airlines and Destinations

PTY is the main hub for Copa Airlines, which positions Panama City as the “hub of the Americas.” You can often connect same-day from North America to South America, or vice versa, without needing an overnight stop.
Other international airlines use PTY for direct service from major U.S. cities, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and select long-haul destinations. The airport keeps adding new international routes, which is pushing Tocumen higher in regional rankings as a connection hub.

Immigration and Customs

Arrivals work like any large international airport:
Immigration (passport control)

Baggage claim

Customs

Panama is known for having attractive duty free allowances, so many travelers plan on shopping at departure or even right after arrival.

Ground Transportation from PTY to Panama City

• Taxi / ride-hailing: A standard ride to central Panama City usually takes 20–30 minutes outside of rush hour. Prices are generally reasonable compared to other international capitals.

• Private transfer / hotel shuttle: Many airport hotels include a free shuttle. Some city hotels offer pre-arranged pickups.

• Bus + Metro: Budget travelers can connect from PTY into the Panama City public transport network. It’s the cheapest option, but it’s slower and less comfortable if you have heavy luggage.

Traffic warning: Panama City traffic can go from “fine” to “gridlock” fast, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. If you’re trying to connect same-day from PTY to an internal flight at PAC, give yourself time.

Car Rental at Panama City Airport (PTY)

Panama City airport car rental is available right in Tocumen’s arrivals area. Major international brands (Enterprise, SIXT, Avis, Alamo, ACE/Express and others) operate desks with long hours or 24-hour pickup.

Tips for renting a car at PTY:

• Be prepared for mandatory insurance fees at the counter. The final price can be higher than what you saw online.

• Reserve in advance for weekends and holidays, because demand jumps Friday through Sunday.

• For exploring beaches and mountains, an SUV can be worth it. For staying mostly in Panama City, a compact car is easier to park.

Hotels Near Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

You won’t find a hotel directly inside the PTY terminal, but you do have several hotels within a 2–5 minute shuttle ride:

• Crowne Plaza Panama Airport: One of the closest full-service hotels to PTY. Offers 24/7 shuttle service, on-site restaurant/bar, pool, gym. Perfect for overnight layovers and early-morning departures.

• Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Casino: A popular “layover resort” about a few minutes from the terminal. Big tropical pool, gardens, restaurants, a small casino, even tennis courts. Great option if you’re traveling with family and want more than just a standard airport box.

• Smaller boutique / business hotels: Several independent hotels near the airport also offer free shuttles. They target flight crews, business travelers and people catching red-eyes.

Duty Free at Tocumen (PTY)

Tocumen is famous in the region for its duty free shopping. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have large duty free stores with long hours (some operate essentially 24/7). You’ll find:

Liquor (rum, whiskey, tequila, champagne)

Perfume and cosmetics from global brands

Electronics, watches, sunglasses

Designer accessories and travel retail exclusives

Panama City Airport Map (PTY Airport Map)

PTY’s official airport map shows where each terminal sits relative to the runways, where the inter-terminal shuttle stops, baggage claim, customs, rental car counters, pickup zones, and parking areas. Before traveling, check which terminal (T1 or T2) your airline uses so you don’t get dropped at the wrong curb.

Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB)

Overview

Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB) is Panama City’s secondary international airport. It stands in the former U.S. Howard Air Force Base zone on the west side of the Panama Canal.

BLB is roughly 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Panama City. To reach it, you typically cross the Bridge of the Americas and drive into the Panamá Pacífico business and residential development.

Airlines and Routes

BLB focuses on low-cost and point-to-point routes, often served by budget carriers like Wingo. Instead of offering global connections, Panamá Pacífico specializes in direct flights to specific cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

When BLB makes sense:

• You’re flying a low-cost carrier and just need a direct hop to/from nearby countries.
• You’re staying in Panamá Oeste or heading straight to Pacific-side resorts.
• You prefer a smaller airport with faster check-in and shorter lines than PTY.

Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC / Albrook Airport)

Overview

Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC), widely called “Albrook Airport,” is Panama City’s domestic airport. It’s located next to Albrook Mall and the national bus terminal, which makes it incredibly convenient if you’re already in the city.

PAC is only a short taxi ride from Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal visitor areas, and central business districts. This airport used to be part of the old Canal Zone air infrastructure, and it still feels like a “local” airport rather than a big international hub.

Who Flies From PAC

PAC is the home base for most domestic air service in Panama, especially Air Panama. This is how travelers reach:

• Bocas del Toro (BOC) on the Caribbean side
• David (DAV) in Chiriquí Province, for Boquete and the western highlands
• Other provincial airstrips and islands

Because of this, PAC is popular with travelers who don’t want to spend 8–10 hours on a bus to get to places like Bocas del Toro.

What to expect:

• Fast check-in and boarding compared to PTY
• Minimal amenities (snacks, basic seating, short security lines)
• Short recommended arrival time (often 60–90 minutes before departure)

Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV), David

Overview

Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) is located in David, the capital of Chiriquí Province in western Panama, near the border with Costa Rica. This airport is the main entry point for:

• Boquete’s cloud forest, hiking, coffee farms and cool mountain climate
• The Gulf of Chiriquí islands and the Pacific beaches like Las Lajas
• Business travel in Panama’s western provinces

DAV sits only a few minutes from central David by taxi.

Flights to and from DAV

There are nonstop flights linking DAV with Panama City (PTY). For many visitors, this is the fastest way to get from an international arrival in Tocumen straight to Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands without staying overnight in Panama City or taking an all-day road transfer.

Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC)

Overview

Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC) is on Isla Colón, right in Bocas Town, on Panama’s Caribbean coast. When people talk about flying “to Bocas,” this is where they land.

Why BOC matters:

It puts you just minutes from hotels, hostels, overwater bungalows, water taxis and tour operators.

It’s the fastest way to reach the Bocas del Toro archipelago’s beaches, reefs, surf spots and nightlife.

Flights to/from BOC

Multiple daily domestic flights run between Panama City’s Albrook Airport (PAC) and BOC. The flight time is usually about one hour. This is far quicker and more comfortable than taking the overnight bus plus boat.

Note: Weather in the Caribbean can change quickly. Storms and low visibility can cause occasional delays. If you have a same-day international flight after returning from Bocas, build in buffer time.

Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH), Río Hato

Overview

Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH), also called Río Hato Airport, sits on Panama’s central Pacific coast near Playa Blanca, Santa Clara and Farallón. This is the main airport used by the large all-inclusive beach resorts two hours west of Panama City.

RIH mainly handles charter and seasonal international flights, especially from North America. The big advantage: you can land and be at your beach hotel in minutes, instead of driving from Panama City after a long-haul flight.

Panama Airport FAQs

What is the main airport in Panama?

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main international airport for Panama City and for the country overall. It’s Copa Airlines’ hub and handles most long-haul and regional flights.
Keyword targets: “Panama City airport,” “Panama international airport,” “Panama airport code PTY.”

Which airport should I book if I’m visiting Panama City and the Panama Canal?

Book PTY (Tocumen) for most international arrivals. From PTY you can reach central Panama City and the Panama Canal visitor centers by car in about 20–30 minutes.
If you’re flying a low-cost airline within Latin America, check Panamá Pacífico (BLB), which is across the Canal on the west side.
Keyword targets: “closest airport to Panama Canal,” “Panama Pacifico International Airport,” “Panama Pacifico airport.”

Is Panama City airport safe?

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is a modern airport with standard international security, immigration and customs. You’ll see police presence and licensed taxi stands. Usual common-sense travel precautions apply.

Can I rent a car at Panama City airport?

Yes. Tocumen (PTY) has on-site car rental desks from major international brands, often open long hours or 24/7.
Keyword targets: “Panama City airport car rental,” “car rental Panama City airport PTY,” “Panama City airport rental cars.”

Are there hotels inside Tocumen Airport (PTY)?

There’s no hotel physically inside the terminal, but several hotels sit a few minutes away and offer free airport shuttle service. This is perfect for overnight layovers or very early departures.
Keyword targets: “Panama City airport hotel,” “hotels near Tocumen airport Panama,” “hotels near Tocumen airport Panama shuttle.”

Does Tocumen International Airport have duty free shopping?

Yes. PTY is known throughout the region for duty free stores that carry liquor, perfume, cosmetics, electronics and luxury accessories. Many shops operate extended hours or even 24 hours.
Keyword targets: “duty free Panama airport,” “Panama airport duty free,” “duty free Tocumen.”

Which airport is closest to Boquete, Panama?

Fly into Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) in David. From David it’s about 45–60 minutes by car up to Boquete in the Chiriquí Highlands. Nonstop DAV↔PTY flights make this route fast and convenient.
Keyword targets: “David airport Panama,” “airport for Boquete Panama,” “Panama City to David flight.”

How do I fly to Bocas del Toro?

Take a domestic flight from Panama City’s Albrook Airport (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC). Flight time is about one hour, and you land right in Bocas Town on Isla Colón.
Keyword targets: “Bocas del Toro airport BOC,” “flights Panama City to Bocas del Toro,” “Bocas del Toro to Panama City flights.”

What’s the difference between Panama City, Panama and Panama City, Florida (USA)?

A lot of people search “Panama City airport” and get confused.
Panama City, Panama = Tocumen International Airport (PTY), plus Panamá Pacífico (BLB) and Albrook (PAC).

Panama City, Florida (USA) = Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, code ECP.
When booking flights, always confirm the country and airport code.

Where can I check Panama airport departures and arrivals?

Each airport (PTY, BLB, PAC, DAV, BOC, RIH) publishes live departures and arrivals boards. Flight-tracking apps also show real-time status for incoming and outgoing flights. Search “Panama airport departures” or “Panama airport arrivals” plus the airport code (PTY, BLB, etc.).

Final Travel Tips for Flying in and Out of Panama

Know your airport code.
PTY, BLB and PAC can all be called “Panama City airport,” but they’re in different parts of the metro area and serve different types of flights. Don’t show up at the wrong one.

Plan transfers wisely.
Traffic in Panama City is serious. Leave buffer time if you need to go from PTY (international) to PAC (domestic) the same day, or from PTY to BLB.

Use airport hotels for early flights.
If your flight leaves PTY at 6 a.m., staying near Tocumen the night before is smarter than waking up at 3 a.m. in Casco Viejo and racing across town.

Take advantage of domestic flights.
Flying from PAC to Bocas del Toro (BOC) or David (DAV) saves an entire day compared with buses. This is huge for short vacations.

Use Tocumen’s duty free.
PTY has one of the strongest duty free selections in Central America, with liquor, perfume, electronics and fashion available late or even 24/7.

With this information you can choose the right Panama airport, understand how to move between terminals and cities, book the correct car rental or airport hotel, and connect to Panama’s beaches, rainforest islands, the Panama Canal and mountain towns with confidence.

Sources & Foot Notes

[1] Tourism Panama - Getting Here
[2] Wikipedia - List of airports in Panama
[3] Tocumen International Airport