San Diego Airport Now Offers Nonstop Flight To Panama

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diegans can now travel directly to Panama City, Panama.

Copa Airlines officially launched its new nonstop service between San Diego International Airport and Tocumen International Airport.

The new route was celebrated Wednesday night with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Panamanian folkloric dancers, and remarks from airline and civic leaders highlighting the importance of this new international connection for San Diego's business, diplomatic and tourism communities.

"The launch of our San Diego route marks a significant milestone in solidifying our connectivity on the West Coast of the United States," Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron said in a statement. "This new destination not only broadens the geographic reach of our operations, but also reinforces our role as a bridge between Latin America and strategic regions across the continent through the Hub of the Americas."

Copa Airlines will offer nonstop flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday.

The new route marks Copa's third destination in California and 17th in the U.S. With the addition of San Diego, Copa Airlines now offers direct connections to 86 destinations across 32 countries through its Hub of the Americas in Panama City.

"The launch of a direct flight between San Diego and Panama City is a major win for our region, making travel to Central and South America far more convenient," Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement.

"As sister cities, we share a rich history and cultural connection — from our enduring friendship to the very naming of Balboa Park," Gloria said. "This new flight expands opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange — and is further proof that international partnerships bring real benefits to San Diego’s economy and our global future."