Panama is currently facing a deficit of around 100 air traffic controllers, most of whom are needed at the Radar Control Center that manages air traffic between South and North America, reported the general director of the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), Rafael Bárcenas Chiari. The official explained that this unit is key for regional air operations, as a large part of the traffic crossing the isthmus, considered one of the most traveled corridors on the continent, is supervised from there. To address this need, the AAC is maintaining a plan underway to train new specialists. From that group, 26 students began their training last January, while the rest will be integrated in stages between April and June. Bárcenas indicated that 25 radar controllers will soon complete their training, while three additional courses are already scheduled: one started this year and the others will begin in April and June. "With this, we hope that in the next 24 months we can reinforce the staff of this authority in the appropriate quantity for this work," he noted. The statements were made during the graduation ceremony of the 052 Promotion of Aerodrome Air Traffic Controllers, led by Bárcenas Chiari, in which 25 new specialists were incorporated for operations at aerodromes. According to the AAC, this process is part of a modernization plan aimed at strengthening the security and operability of the national aeronautical system, especially given the growth in air traffic that connects the country as the "Hub of the Americas". The institution also reported that in October 2026, another 27 controllers, belonging to Promotion 053, will graduate, who will be specialized in Radar Control Center operations. Additionally, a call made in April 2025 sparked the interest of 2,700 applicants, of whom 93 candidates were selected to enter the training program.
