Copa Airlines: 45 years connecting Cartagena internationally with the rest of the continent

Cartagena, May 2025. In May 1980, Copa Airlines launched operations in Cartagena, becoming its eighth international destination at the time. Since then, the airline has carried millions of passengers, connecting the city with more than 75 destinations in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean, consolidating its commitment to bridging the gap on the continent. Currently, the annual service exceeds 450,000 seats available to this city.

With operations spanning Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla, and San Andrés, the company now has 46 weekly flights in the Colombian Caribbean, strengthening its position as the international airline with the greatest connectivity in the region. Through the Hub of the Americas®, located at Tocumen International Airport in Panama, it efficiently connects the country's major and minor cities with more than 350 daily flights in the Americas.

“For these 45 years, our passengers have been our priority and at the heart of our operations, so we celebrate the commitment to connecting Cartagena, a key city in the Colombian Caribbean and in our network of connections in the Americas,” said Paola Castaño, Sales Manager for Copa Airlines in Colombia. “We want to continue working towards the efficiency and excellence of our operations, to continue providing world-class service, contributing to the tourism and business development of the region.”

More than four decades serving the people of Cartagena

The operation began in Cartagena with three weekly flights and now has 28 weekly flights to Panama and other destinations. Currently, Colombia is the country with the second most destinations served by the airline—after the United States—with a presence in 10 cities and more than 200 weekly flights, making it the company with the greatest international connectivity from the country.

Furthermore, it is the Latin American airline with the most destinations in the United States, with flights to 17 cities. Starting June 25, San Diego, California, will be added with four weekly flights, consolidating its presence on the West Coast and reaching three destinations in that state. In September 2025, Salta and Tucumán, Argentina, will also be added, with three weekly flights each.

Benefits for travelers

Passengers enjoy onboard service with free snacks and drinks, carry-on baggage included in all fares, lie-flat seats with ample space, and Business Class on all flights. Thanks to the Hub of the Americas®, connections are fast and seamless, with no immigration or customs procedures in Panama, with checked baggage available until the final destination.

In 2024, the airline was recognized by Cirium as the most punctual airline in Latin America, being the most awarded in this regard in the last decade.

Through the Panama Stopover program, Colombians can make a stopover in Panama City for one to six nights at no additional cost to their ticket. The program was recently revamped with new partnerships and tools for planning their stay.

ConnectMiles, the airline's loyalty program, allows you to earn and redeem miles on its flights or on any of the 24 Star Alliance airlines, with access to more than 1,300 destinations in 193 countries.