The first nonstop flight from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama to RDU touched down Friday amid fanfare from travelers who now have direct access to Latin America for the first time.  

“RDU is thrilled to welcome Copa Airlines and the new gateway its Panama City service provides to Latin America and the Caribbean through the Hub of the Americas,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “The route opens up new possibilities for business and leisure travel from the Research Triangle region to Panama and points beyond.” 

More than 200 travelers a day fly through RDU with a final destination in Central or South America.  The Panama City route connects the Research Triangle region with cities that are in high demand with the business, higher learning, and regional communities RDU serves. Triangle travelers now have easy access to Central and South America and the Caribbean through Copa Airlines’ vast international network.  

“This new route to Raleigh-Durham strengthens our presence in the United States, allowing our passengers greater connectivity and access to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, the state’s hub of innovation and technology. Serving a new destination allows us to offer our passengers quick and convenient connections to an ever-growing network across the continent, increasing commercial exchange opportunities and tourism development in the region,” said David DeFossey, Regional Commercial Manager, North America for Copa Airlines.  

RDU grew at a rate of 22 percent last year, making it the fastest-growing Top 50 airport in the country. RDU also set a record for annual passenger traffic in 2023 and for the busiest single day and month in 2024. 

RDU to Panama City Facts: 

Distance:  3,995 miles 

Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 

RDU to PTY: departs at 4:20 p.m. and arrives at 7:46 p.m. local time 

PTY to RDU: departs at 8:56 a.m. and arrives at 2:28 p.m. local time  

Aircraft: 160-seat Boeing 737-800 (16 Business Class, 144 Economy)