Tocumen International Airport is advancing the rehabilitation of its two runways, a strategic project valued at 56.9 million dollars that reinforces its role as the main gateway to Latin America and a key axis of regional air connectivity. After completing the technical testing phase to define materials and specifications, the work is proceeding according to the schedule established by Tocumen, S.A. and the PYCRAT Consortium, composed of MOTA-ENGIL, Engenharia e Construção, S.A. and Constructora MECO, S.A. The construction work is carried out at night and does not affect air operations, as Tocumen has two runways, which gives it operational flexibility and guarantees the continuity of flights while one of them is being worked on.
"Strengthening our runways is a strategic investment that consolidates Tocumen as the main hub of the Americas. Currently, it connects Panama with 95 international destinations through 16 passenger and 15 cargo airlines. In 2025, it mobilized almost 21 million passengers, figures that reflect the airport's relevance and the need to maintain its infrastructure in optimal conditions," stated General Manager José Ruiz Blanco.
Vice President of Engineering and Projects, Ramón Zambrano, detailed that the preparatory phase included field studies, technical analysis, and the development of the construction project for runway 03L-21R, which precisely defines the scope of intervention on the central strip of the surface. He added that the nighttime work includes runway profiling and cleaning, application of a tack coat, placement and compaction of hot asphalt mix, replacement of horizontal markings, and rigorous quality controls, both topographical and of materials, thus ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
According to Zambrano, the work has covered 2,050 linear meters, representing a 70% advance in this first phase. After the paving is completed, the final stage of grooving the runway will proceed.
"The grooving of the pavement consists of making transverse grooves in the asphalt layer to improve the friction between aircraft and the runway surface, as well as to facilitate water drainage, which contributes to reinforcing safety conditions during takeoff and landing maneuvers. Runway 03L has a total length of 2,682 meters, and the width of the intervention for the recarpeting corresponds to a central strip of 18 meters, distributed in 9 meters on each side of the central axis of the runway," he explained.
Regarding the second runway, 03R-21L, Zambrano added that it is in the project development stage and is advancing according to the general schedule established for the intervention. The contract contemplates years of work and two additional years of maintenance, with the objective of extending the life of both runways by at least 20 years.
Meanwhile, during this first phase of work, the General Secretary of Metas, José Ramón Icaza, conducted an inspection tour as part of the follow-up on the strategic projects promoted by President José Raúl Mulino to strengthen airport infrastructure and the country's competitiveness. In January 2026, Tocumen registered 15,420 aircraft movements, 12% more than in January 2025.
