United States Reopens Airspace; Copa Reports 18 Flights Affected and Two Returned to Panama.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reopened the airspace on Friday night, November 13, after fully restoring operations at air traffic control centers and radar approach control facilities (TRACON). The suspension immediately affected 18 Copa Airlines flights to and from the United States that were in progress when the order was issued, the airline reported.

Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) separately indicated that two flights scheduled to the United States returned to Panama as a preventive measure, according to preliminary information.

Although the airspace has reopened, U.S. authorities cautioned that the resumption of operations would not be immediate. “It will take time to resume normal operations,” the message stated, urging passengers to continue checking with their airlines for the latest information.

The suspension came after a communications problem affected U.S. air traffic control centers en route. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had reported that FAA technicians were investigating the failure.

Copa Airlines warned that delays and schedule adjustments could persist as flight schedules normalize following the reopening of US airspace.

Copa Airlines announced penalty-free changes and no fare difference for passengers with tickets issued through November 13, 2026, for travel scheduled for November 13 and 14 to or from the United States, excluding Puerto Rico. Changes can be requested until November 17, for travel rescheduled until November 22, through the airline’s My Trips section.

The airline stated that if the original flight was canceled, unused or partially used tickets will be eligible for a refund, for both refundable and non-refundable fares. It also recommended checking flight status before heading to the airport and noted that it will communicate itinerary changes via email or through notifications on its app.