International travelers flying with Copa Airlines can now stay in Panama during their layover for up to 15 days with the airline's Panama Stopover program. Previously, the plan allowed for a stay of up to 7 days, but the increase in demand from tourists interested in visiting the country led to expanding the facilities for travelers, reported Copa Airlines' CEO, Pedro Heilbron. He highlighted that in 2025, there was a 25% growth in the number of tourists who visited Panama with the Stopover program, totaling 215,000 people, compared to 2024. For 2026, Heilbron revealed that they expect to attract more than 250,000 visitors to the country. Additionally, he announced that in the first quarter of this year, there was a 35% increase in the arrival of tourists who took advantage of the Stopover benefit, with a total of 63,523 people visiting the country. He emphasized that destinations like David, Chiriquí, continue to gain relevance among international and local travelers. Currently, about 25% of passengers arriving at this destination come from connections through the airline's hub. Copa Airlines expects to increase its capacity by 14% in 2026 and generate 2,100 new jobs in 4 years. He specified that with 3 daily flights and up to 4 on weekends, the airline increased its capacity by approximately 40% in seats to Chiriquí, facilitating the arrival of more visitors and expanding the impact of tourism beyond the capital. The administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, Gloria De León, stated that by extending the allowed stay for travelers transiting through Panama with Copa Airlines to 15 days, it will generate greater economic activity, hotel occupancy, and consumption by tourists. “At the end of January, a 14% increase in the arrival of international visitors was registered, and this trend will continue throughout the year,” said De León, noting that during the Easter season alone, the churches in Panama's Casco Viejo received 320,000 visits, according to preliminary figures. An interactive room. Pedro Heilbron announced that in June, they will inaugurate an interactive exhibition hall at Tocumen International Airport, between terminals 1 and 2, so that transit travelers can learn about the destinations and attractions that Panama offers.
