Key Takeaways
• Copa Airlines starts nonstop flights San Diego–Panama City June 25, 2025, operating four times weekly.
• Round-trip fares begin at USD 341 using Boeing 737 aircraft for comfortable medium-haul travel.
• This new route boosts business, tourism, and travel connectivity between Southern California and Latin America.
San Diego International Airport Welcomes Copa Airlines’ Nonstop Flights to Panama City
San Diego International Airport is set to expand its international reach in a major way. Starting June 25, 2025, Copa Airlines will begin nonstop flights between San Diego and Panama City, Panama. This new route is more than just another flight option—it’s a bridge connecting Southern California with Central and South America, opening doors for travelers, businesses, and the tourism industry on both sides.
Let’s break down what this means, who benefits, and how you can take advantage of this new connection.
What’s Happening: The Key Facts
Who: Copa Airlines, a leading airline in Latin America, is launching the new service.
What: Nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.
When: Service begins June 25, 2025.
Where: Flights will operate out of San Diego International Airport and land at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport.
How Often: Four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Why: To boost travel, business, and tourism between Southern California and Latin America, and to strengthen Copa Airlines’ network in the United States 🇺🇸.
Flight Details: Schedule, Aircraft, and Fares
Travelers can expect a convenient schedule designed to fit both business and leisure needs:
- From Panama City to San Diego: Departs at 1:16 p.m. (local time), arrives at 6:15 p.m. (local time).
- From San Diego to Panama City: Departs at 8:58 p.m. (local time), arrives at 5:20 a.m. (local time).
Aircraft: The flights will use a Boeing 737, known for its comfort and reliability on medium-haul routes.
Fares: Round-trip tickets start at USD 341, but prices can change based on when you book and how many seats are left.
Why This Route Matters
This new nonstop service is a big step for both San Diego International Airport and Copa Airlines. For San Diego, it’s the first direct link to Panama 🇵🇦 and a major gateway to the rest of Central and South America. For Copa Airlines, San Diego becomes its third California destination, joining Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, summed up the excitement:
“We are thrilled to welcome Copa Airlines to San Diego International Airport and celebrate this exciting new nonstop service to Panama City. This route will boost opportunities for business and leisure travel to Central and South America like never before. We look forward to a successful partnership with Copa.”
Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, added:
“The launch of this new route strengthens our destination network and expands travel options for our passengers, reaffirming Copa’s commitment to efficiency, punctuality, and the high service standards that set us apart. With the addition of San Diego, we enhance connectivity between Southern California and Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, fostering tourism and commercial exchange across the continent.”
How to Book: Step-by-Step
Booking a flight on this new route is simple. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit Copa Airlines’ official website at www.copaair.com.
- Enter your travel details: Choose San Diego International Airport (SAN) as your departure or arrival city and Panama City (PTY) as your destination.
- Select your travel dates: Remember, flights are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Choose your fare: Pick the fare that fits your needs and budget.
- Complete your booking: Enter your personal details and payment information.
- Get your confirmation: You’ll receive an email with your ticket and travel details.
You can also book through Copa Airlines’ mobile app or by calling their customer service center.
Who Benefits: Stakeholder Perspectives
Travelers
For people living in or visiting San Diego, this new route means:
- Shorter travel times: No more layovers or long waits in other U.S. cities.
- Easy connections: Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport is a major hub, offering quick connections to more than 80 destinations across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Affordable fares: With round-trip tickets starting at USD 341, travel to Panama and beyond is now within reach for more people.
Business Community
Southern California has strong business ties with Latin America. The new nonstop flights will:
- Make business trips easier: Direct flights save time and reduce travel stress.
- Open new markets: Companies in San Diego can reach partners, clients, and suppliers in Panama and other Latin American countries more easily.
- Boost trade: Faster travel means goods and services can move more quickly between regions.
Tourism Industry
Tourism boards and travel companies in both regions are likely to see:
- More visitors: Easier access means more tourists exploring Panama’s beaches, rainforests, and historic sites, as well as San Diego’s famous attractions.
- New travel packages: Tour operators can offer new tours and experiences, attracting travelers looking for unique adventures.
- Cultural exchange: More travel means more opportunities for people to learn about each other’s cultures.
Background: Copa Airlines’ U.S. Expansion
Copa Airlines has been steadily growing its presence in the United States 🇺🇸. In recent years, it has added new destinations like Raleigh-Durham and Atlanta, and now San Diego joins Los Angeles and San Francisco as Copa’s California gateways.
The airline’s strategy centers on its “Hub of the Americas” in Panama City. This hub allows travelers to connect quickly and easily to dozens of cities in Latin America and the Caribbean, making Copa a key player for anyone traveling between the Americas.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
The launch of this route is more than just a business move. It has real effects on people’s lives and the local economy:
- Boosting tourism: More direct flights mean more visitors, which helps hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.
- Supporting business growth: Companies can expand into new markets with less hassle.
- Strengthening ties: Direct flights help build stronger relationships between the United States 🇺🇸 and Panama 🇵🇦, both in business and culture.
For travelers, the biggest change is convenience. Instead of spending hours on connecting flights, you can now fly straight from San Diego to Panama City, then connect to other destinations if needed.
Immigration and Travel Considerations
If you’re planning to use this new route, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Passports: You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left before your trip.
- Visas: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 180 days) to Panama for tourism or business. However, travelers from other countries should check Panama’s visa requirements. You can find official visa information on the Embassy of Panama in the United States website.
- Customs and entry: When you arrive in Panama City, you’ll go through customs and immigration. Be prepared to show your passport, return ticket, and proof of funds for your stay.
- Connecting flights: If you’re traveling beyond Panama City, check if you need a transit visa for your final destination.
For more details on travel requirements, the U.S. Department of State provides up-to-date information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for Panama for the latest updates.
Economic and Social Impact
The new Copa Airlines route is expected to have a positive impact on both San Diego and Panama City:
- Job creation: More flights mean more jobs at the airport, from ground staff to security and retail workers.
- Business opportunities: Companies in both regions can explore new partnerships and investments.
- Tourism growth: Panama’s beaches, rainforests, and historic sites will become more accessible to U.S. travelers, while San Diego’s attractions will draw more visitors from Latin America.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the addition of direct flights often leads to increased economic activity, as easier travel encourages both business and leisure trips. This can help local economies recover and grow, especially after the challenges faced by the travel industry in recent years.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
Copa Airlines has made it clear that expanding its U.S. network is a priority. With San Diego now on the map, travelers can expect:
- Possible new routes: If demand is strong, Copa may add more flights or new destinations from San Diego.
- Increased frequency: As more people use the route, the airline could offer daily flights.
- Better connections: Copa’s hub in Panama City will continue to offer quick links to cities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Travelers, businesses, and tourism officials will be watching closely to see how this new service performs and what opportunities it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I book a flight on this new route?
A: You can book directly on Copa Airlines’ website (www.copaair.com), through their mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Q: What days do the flights operate?
A: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Q: What is the starting fare?
A: Round-trip fares start at USD 341, but prices may change based on demand and booking time.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
A: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short visits. Travelers from other countries should check the official visa requirements.
Q: Can I connect to other destinations in Latin America?
A: Yes. Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport is a major hub with flights to over 80 cities in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest information on this new route and other travel options, check:
- San Diego International Airport’s official website: www.san.org
- Copa Airlines’ official website: www.copaair.com
- U.S. Department of State travel advisories: travel.state.gov
These sites provide updates on schedules, fares, travel requirements, and more.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Book early: Fares are lowest when you book in advance.
- Check travel documents: Make sure your passport is valid and check visa requirements for your destination.
- Plan connections: If you’re traveling beyond Panama City, check flight times and layover options.
- Stay informed: Travel rules can change, so check official sources before your trip.
Conclusion: A New Era for San Diego and Latin America
The launch of Copa Airlines’ nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport and Panama City is a milestone for both regions. It’s not just about saving time or adding another flight option—it’s about bringing people, businesses, and cultures closer together.
Whether you’re a traveler looking for adventure, a businessperson seeking new markets, or a tourism official hoping to welcome more visitors, this new route offers fresh opportunities. As Copa Airlines continues to grow its network, the future looks bright for travel between Southern California and Latin America.
For more information and to book your next trip, visit Copa Airlines’ official website or San Diego International Airport’s website. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Nonstop Flights → Flights that travel directly between two destinations without intermediate stops or layovers.
Boeing 737 → A popular medium-haul aircraft known for reliability and passenger comfort on short and mid-distance routes.
Tocumen International Airport → Panama City’s main airport, serving as Copa Airlines’ hub for connecting flights across Americas.
Round-trip Fare → The ticket price for traveling to a destination and returning to the original departure point.
Transit Visa → A visa permitting a traveler to pass through a country en route to another destination.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting June 25, 2025, Copa Airlines will fly nonstop between San Diego and Panama City. This new route promises faster travel, affordable fares from USD 341, and enhanced business and cultural ties, opening doors to over 80 Latin American destinations through Panama’s major hub.
— By VisaVerge.com
