Panama: Tocumen Airport Handled 3.2 Million Passengers in First Two Months of 2025
Tocumen International Airport, one of Latin America’s main aviation hubs, recorded historic growth in the first two months of 2025. Between January and February, it handled 3.2 million passengers, representing an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth equates to an additional 319,972 travelers and solidifies the Panamanian terminal as a key connection point between the Americas, Europe, and other regions.
February was an especially strong month, with 1.5 million passengers. Of these, 71% (1,065,951 people) were transit passengers, reaffirming the airport’s strategic importance in international transportation.
Increase in Arrivals and Departures
The airport’s dynamism was also reflected in the number of passengers entering and leaving the country. During the first two months of 2025:
- 486,988 passengers disembarked at Tocumen, a 4% increase compared to 2024.
- 480,698 passengers embarked to the 87 connected destinations, representing a 3% increase.
→ Tocumen Airport Expands Its Connectivity in 2025 with New International Routes
Demand remained high on routes to North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe, highlighting Panama’s appeal as both a destination and a connection point.
Operations and Airport Capacity on the Rise
The steady flow of passengers has required robust operations. On average, 54,000 people transited daily through Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport, which have been designed to optimize the traveler experience. Air traffic also showed significant expansion:
- 26,029 operations were recorded, representing an 8% growth compared to the previous year.
- 90% of the operations were commercial, while 6% were related to cargo.
- Tocumen is home to 13 commercial airlines and 15 specialized cargo carriers, including global companies such as Copa Airlines, DHL, and FedEx.
Logistics and Cargo: A Key Infrastructure
In addition to passenger transport, the airport has strengthened its role as a logistics hub. During the first two months of the year, it handled 36,219 metric tons of cargo, a 5% increase compared to 2024.
Economic Impact of Aviation in Panama
The surge in air traffic at Tocumen not only benefits the aviation industry but also has a significant economic impact. A recent study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Oxford Economics, delivered to the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), revealed that:
- Aviation contributes US$6.8 billion annually to the Panamanian economy, equivalent to 8.2% of GDP.
- It generates 194,000 direct and indirect jobs, driving key sectors such as tourism, commerce, and investment.
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Un Enamorado de la Aviación