Panama Tocumen International Airport New Runway

Panama plans to improve Tocumen International Airport, aiming to modernize and improve the runway.

The Tocumen International Airport in Panama is planning to expand a third runway to increase operational capacity and cater to the growing demand for air travel, particularly for cargo and passenger connections. Tocumen is the nation’s busiest and most strategically significant aviation hub. The 900 million plus expansion plan includes an access road, a new 70 m control tower, eight outposts, and the third runway.

As Central America’s key gateway, Tocumen International Airport handles millions of passengers annually, with a strategic location connecting the Americas and serving as a transit point for numerous international flights. Thirty-three airlines operate out of this airport, 16 of them are for passengers and 17 are cargo airlines. Moreover, the airport registered in 2024 over 19.25 million passengers, 152,813 air operations, and 216,653 metric tons of cargo, marking increases of 8%, 7%, and 4%, respectively, compared to 2023. Global consultancy Cirium recognized Tocumen as the world’s most punctual mid-sized airport in 2024, with an on-time performance rate of 90.34%, highlighting it as one of the most efficient airports internationally.

Interested firms should prepare to navigate a bid process, with substantial long-term gains anticipated from Panama’s emerging status as a central logistics and connectivity hub in the Americas.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Panama City stands ready to support U.S. companies in their government procurement pursuits in Panama. For further information, please contact your local US Export Assistance Center office or Senior Commercial Specialist Jeane Zuniga at Jeane.Zuniga@trade.gov.