Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover Exceeded 200,000 Passengers in 2025
Panama City, Panama: Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, SA and a member of the Star Alliance global network, presented the 2025 results of its Panama Stopover program, an initiative that continues to consolidate itself as one of the main drivers of tourist attraction for the country.
Developed in conjunction with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama, the program reached a record of more than 200,000 passengers during the year, exceeding the projected annual goal by 8% and registering a growth of 25% compared to 2024.
Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron highlighted that the program’s performance reflects the potential of the Hub of the Americas to transform an air stopover into a tourism opportunity with a direct impact on the national economy.
“This excellent performance is the result of coordinated work with tourism authorities and private sector partners, which translates into more visitors, a strengthened tourism sector, and job creation. At the same time, it helps position Panama as an authentic, diverse, and competitive destination,” he stated.
During 2025, the average stay of travelers using the Panama Stopover remained at approximately three days. This length of stay directly impacts the economic activity of hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators, expanding the economic benefits in various sectors linked to tourism.
Among the experiences most valued by visitors are the iconic Panama Canal, shopping options, local cuisine, cultural diversity, and beaches. Likewise, nature-based activities and sun and beach tourism continue to position the country as an attractive alternative for different types of international travelers.
Experiences that Drive the Destination
The 2025 results confirm the program’s sustained growth since its launch in 2019. During that period, more than 730,000 passengers have incorporated Panama as an active part of their travel itinerary. Currently, the initiative has the support of more than 80 partners in the tourism sector, which expands the range of available experiences and strengthens the program’s reach in strategic markets.
The Panama Stopover allows passengers transiting through the Hub of the Americas to extend their stay in the country at no additional cost to the airfare, turning one connection into the possibility of visiting two destinations for the price of one. The strategy capitalizes on Panama’s geographic position as the region’s main air connection hub and strengthens its competitiveness within the international tourism market.
