Q24N (La Estrella) In a bid to transform air connections into direct revenue for the local economy, the Panama Stopover program will expand its main benefit: starting in 2026, passengers will be able to stay in the country for between 7 and 15 days at no additional cost to their airfare, a measure that is already in effect.
This evolution of the Copa Airlines program seeks to capitalize on the flow of travelers passing through the Hub of the Americas (Tocumen International Airport — PTY).
After closing 2025 with 215,000 tourists under this program (a 25% increase), the goal for 2026 is to reach 250,000 visitors, encouraging longer stays that allow them to explore destinations outside of Panama City.
Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa, highlighted that in the first quarter of this year alone, the program has shown a strong start, reaching 30% above previous levels.
For her part, Gloria De León, General Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), commented: “The Panama Stopover has proven to be one of our main allies for tourism promotion. When we showcase the country at international fairs, in addition to the destination’s experiences, we emphasize our connectivity, which is a strategic asset that gives us a competitive edge on the world stage.”
She added: “The fact that the program has been extended from 7 to 15 days offers greater opportunities for tourists and has a direct impact on the hotel sector. With longer stays, tourist spending increases, hotel occupancy rises, and opportunities for tour operators and travel agencies grow; the entire value chain benefits.”
International travelers who choose the Stopover program come from various locations, especially Argentina, Ecuador, the United States, and Brazil.
The Copa representative announced that the Stopover program will soon be offered to European airlines with which they have alliances. This program allows passengers to obtain one (1) stopover in Panama at no additional cost to the airfare when requested at the time of ticket purchase and issuance.
Impact in the Interior: The Case of Chiriquí
One of the key aspects of this strategy is the decentralization of tourism. Currently, approximately 25% of passengers landing in David, Chiriquí province, arrive via international connections. To meet this demand, the airline has increased its capacity by 40% of seats to this destination, operating three daily flights and up to four on weekends. This connectivity facilitates the economic impact of tourism reaching the provinces with the greatest recreational and adventure potential.
To enhance the experience for these travelers, Heilbron announced the addition of Starlink as its high-speed satellite internet provider on board, starting in July, and that by October 2026 the entire fleet will offer the service. This technology will allow travelers to work in the cloud or browse in real time while heading to the 88 destinations in 32 countries served by the airline, solidifying Panama’s position as an attractive destination for digital nomads and business travelers.
“In an environment where competition for connectivity is increasingly fierce, maintaining this capacity is fundamental for Panama,” stated the airline’s CEO, emphasizing that the goal is to transform the route network into an engine of sustainable development.
Translated and adapted from La Estrella