Tocumen Airport forecasts the movement of over 154,000 additional passengers on international flights during the 2026 Carnival period, from February 13 to 22, which is projected to be one of the year's peak air travel periods. Starting this Thursday, an increase in traveler arrivals to the country is already being registered, driven by the celebrations. Friday, February 13th, will see the highest number of departures, with 9,810 travelers leaving the country, followed by Saturday, February 14th, when more than 9,100 people are expected to depart for various destinations. Among the most requested destinations for Panamanians during these dates are Miami, Bogotá, Orlando, Medellín, and San José, reflecting the regional connectivity of the country's main air hub. The general manager of Tocumen International Airport, José Ruiz Blanco, indicated that the operation responds to the increase in tourism associated with the festivities. “The Carnival festivities represent one of the periods of greatest tourist movement in Panama. At Tocumen, we have reinforced our operational planning to attend to this increase in passengers, guaranteeing a fast, safe, orderly, and efficient transit, so that travelers begin or conclude their celebrations with a positive experience from the country's main airport,” he stated. Faced with the increase in traveler flow, the airport, in coordination with airlines and airport system entities, activated an operational plan that includes reinforcing personnel in areas such as migration, customs, and security, as well as adjustments in processes to maintain service continuity. Airlines recommend that passengers arrive at least three hours in advance of their flights' departure to complete check-in, migration, and security control processes, and to validate their travel documentation beforehand.
