During October, the Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines plans to fly to 26 destinations across Latin America, including 13 countries and Puerto Rico. The airline is restarting its commercial operations after more than five months grounded due to Government restrictions. Let’s find out where Copa Airlines is flying next month.
Connectivity from the Hub of the Americas
Copa Airlines operates its flights from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. This hub is one of the most important in Latin America as it serves as a connection airport. Many passengers in the region travel through Tocumen to get to their actual destinations. That’s why the Panamanian Government restrictions on air travel hit particularly hard in all Latin America.
Fortunately, the Government eased its restrictions when it first allowed passengers to do transit in Tocumen. Now, the authorities plan to lift further bannings. On 26 September, it will allow domestic travel in Panama, albeit Copa Airlines only has one domestic route between Panama City and David. Later, on 12 October, it will permit international travel.
Knowing the routes
Copa Airlines will connect Panama with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Uruguay, Brazil, El Salvador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Colombia.
- Panama: Panama City and David
- Mexico: Mexico City and Cancun
- Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo and Punta Cana
- Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil
- The US: Miami, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Orlando
- Guatemala: Guatemala City
- Honduras: San Pedro Sula
- Uruguay: Montevideo
- Brazil: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
- El Salvador: San Salvador
- Bolivia: Santa Cruz
- Puerto Rico: San Juan
- Jamaica: Kingston
- Colombia: Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellin.
How can I travel on these routes?
Despite Copa Airlines operating these flights, it doesn’t mean that anyone can travel to these destinations. You have to keep in mind that each country has its own restrictions, which makes traveling more difficult at the moment.
For example, Colombia hasn’t allowed international travel yet. Nevertheless, unless something changes, international flights will resume on 21 September.
For instance, in the case of Bolivia, passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test. On the contrary, Mexico has no restrictions at all.
Uruguay is still closed, and it hasn’t issued a date for the resumption of international travel. As of 14 September, Uruguay is the only Latin American country with access to the European Union.
Passengers who want to travel to Jamaica must obtain a travel authorization from the local authorities; people coming into Puerto Rico must quarantine themselves for 14 days; Guatemala is closed until 17 September, and passengers will need a medical certificate issued 72 hours before arrival.
El Salvador will reopen on 18 September, but passengers are subjects to quarantine; Brazil is fully open; Honduras, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador require a medical certificate.
Are you excited about Copa Airlines’ new flights? Will you plan to fly soon with Copa Airlines? Let us know in the comments.