Panama: Tocumen Airport Surpasses 15 Million Passengers in First Nine Months of 2025
Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s main air terminal, continues to strengthen its position as one of the most important hubs on the continent. During the first nine months of 2025, the airfield handled 15,490,226 passengers, representing an 8% increase compared to the same period the previous year. In absolute terms, this equates to over 1.1 million additional travelers compared to 2024.
In September alone, the airport registered 1,716,646 passengers, compared to 1,570,504 in the same month of 2024. This increase of 146,142 travelers, equivalent to 9% growth, is attributed to the dynamism generated by major events held in Panama City, such as the twenty-second edition of the Premios Juventud. These activities boosted tourist arrivals and reinforced the country’s image as a destination for entertainment, business, and tourism, consolidating its role as a hub for connectivity, commerce, and logistics.
International Transit and Global Connectivity
Of the total passengers handled in September, 75% were transit passengers, meaning 1,286,661 people. This figure confirms Tocumen’s strategic relevance as a linking point between Europe, the Caribbean, and North, Central, and South America.
Between January and September, 2,087,351 people entered Panama, representing a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, 2,150,444 passengers departed the country, with 1% growth.
→ Copa Airlines Launches Flights to Tucumán, Strengthening Its Presence in Argentina
Increase in Air Operations
On the operational front, Tocumen recorded 122,818 aircraft movements between January and September 2025, an 8% increase compared to the previous year, equivalent to 8,989 additional operations. In September alone, 13,558 flights were recorded, a 9% increase compared to the same month in 2024.
Of the total operations, 90% corresponded to commercial flights, 7% to air cargo, 2% to general aviation, and the remaining 1% to charter, technical, or military flights.
Airline Network and International Destinations
Currently, 14 commercial airlines and 16 cargo airlines operate at Tocumen International Airport, connecting Panama with 89 international destinations. Among the most active routes are:
- Bogota (Colombia): 785,814 passengers
- San Jose (Costa Rica): 695,118 passengers
- Miami (USA): 669,397 passengers
- Medellin (Colombia): 645,965 passengers
- Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): 595,150 passengers
This data reaffirms Tocumen’s position as one of the most dynamic air connection centers in Latin America.
Growth in Cargo Transport
The airport’s performance has also been notable in the cargo sector. Between January and September 2025, 180,032 metric tons were handled, representing a 16% increase, equivalent to 24,604 additional tons compared to the same period in 2024. In September alone, 20,799 tons were handled, maintaining the same monthly growth rate (16%).
Commitment to Operational Excellence
The General Manager of Tocumen International Airport, Jose Ruiz Blanco, emphasized that these results reflect the coordinated work between airlines, authorities, and staff.
“Tocumen is not just an air transit point, but a key platform that drives Panama’s competitiveness, trade, and tourism. Our sustained growth is the result of working together to offer an efficient, safe, and world-class experience,” stated Ruiz Blanco.
With these results, Tocumen International Airport reaffirms its role as an engine of development for Panama and as one of the region’s main air connection hubs.
Related Topics
Emirates Introduces Airbus A350 and Premium Economy Service on its Flights to Oslo, Norway
Icelandair to Expand Network with Flights to Faro, Portugal
Volotea Announces Its First International Route from Granada with Flights to Nantes, France
EASA Validates Type Certification for Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage™ Engine
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.