Copa Airlines´ Panama Stopover program expects to exceed 200,000 visitors by 2025

Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, SA and a member of the Star Alliance global network, presented the results of the Panama Stopover program for 2025. The initiative, developed in conjunction with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama, reached a record of more than 200,000 passengers, exceeding the estimated annual target by 8% and registering a 25% growth compared to the results obtained in 2024.

“The results of the Panama Stopover program demonstrate how a strengthened Hub of the Americas® allows us to transform a stopover into more tourism for the country, with a direct impact on the economy. This excellent performance is the result of coordinated work with tourism authorities and private sector partners, which translates into more visitors, a stronger tourism sector, and job creation. At the same time, it helps position Panama as an authentic, diverse, and competitive destination, capable of offering cultural, gastronomic, and natural experiences aligned with the expectations of key markets,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

During 2025, the average passenger stay remained around three days, which directly contributes to the economic impact on hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators.

Among the experiences most valued by tourists taking advantage of the Panama Stopover are the Panama Canal, shopping, local gastronomy, cultural diversity and beaches, as well as activities related to nature and the beach, elements that continue to position the country as an attractive and diverse destination for different types of travelers.

The performance recorded during 2025 confirms the sustained growth of the Panama Stopover program and the increasing interest of international travelers in including Panama as an active part of their itineraries. This result is the fruit of the joint work between Copa Airlines, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), and PROMTUR Panama, who have coordinated efforts to position the country in strategic markets and strengthen its international promotion.

Since its launch in 2019, Panama Stopover has helped more than 730,000 travelers include Panama as part of their itinerary. This growth is now strengthened by the support of more than 80 partners in the tourism sector, who enhance the visitor experience and the program's reach.

The Panama Stopover program allows passengers transiting through the Hub of the Americas® in Panama on Copa Airlines flights to enjoy two destinations for the price of one. Travelers can extend their stay in Panama at no additional cost to their airfare, taking advantage of their connection to explore the country's many attractions. This initiative is designed to boost tourism, capitalizing on Panama's strategic position as the region's main air hub.

Source: Copa Airlines