Panama–David–Frontera Train: No Firm Decision on Possible Relocation of Albrook Airport

The National Railway Secretariat clarified this Friday that no decision has yet been made regarding the relocation of the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Albrook) pictured below, or the final location of the stations along the Panama-Border train route.  The Panama–David–Frontera train project is currently undergoing technical, environmental, and financial studies.  “Any alternative in the capital city will be evaluated comprehensively and in close coordination with the Civil Aeronautics Authority, the Panama Metro, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as with the participation of other institutions, associations, and relevant stakeholders,” the statement states. 

Furthermore, the Secretariat made it clear that, as this is a massive project spanning approximately 500 kilometers, the studies will require more time than expected, but they guarantee that every decision will be made responsibly, seriously, and transparently, following international standards and good planning practices.  As part of this process, the North American firm AECOM, responsible for leading the master plan, plans to deliver engineering and design results for the first phase of construction of the project, up to Divisa, in October 2025. In par- LIDAR study – a mapping service that will provide accurate topographic and territorial information.

– Soil study, essential to determine the geotechnical conditions of the route.

– Progress on the SDIs (Request for Information – Market Study) corresponding to the comprehensive financial model and the passenger and cargo demand study, key elements for defining feasibility and implementation stages. 

“The National Government reaffirms its commitment to moving forward with a project of great impact on the countries economic, logistical, and social development, always within a framework of institutionalism and technical rigor.”