Route Will Provide a New Gateway to Central and South America and the Caribbean: 

RDU will make traveling from the Research Triangle region to Central and South America and the Caribbean easier with direct flights to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama on Copa Airlines. Copa will become RDU’s 18th airline and Panama City will be its 10th international destination when service begins in June.  

“We are proud to welcome Copa Airlines to RDU as we help connect the diverse Triangle region with popular destinations around the world,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “This new gateway will provide Triangle travelers easy access to Central and South America and the Caribbean through Copa Airlines’ vast international network.” 

As part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines, Copa provides access to 85 destinations from 32 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. 

“We remain steadfast in our purpose to shorten distances and facilitate connections, allowing Panama to expand its role as the bridge that unites millions of people throughout the Americas while contributing to the economic development of the communities where we operate. The introduction of the new Raleigh-Durham route not only promotes cultural exchanges within the Americas but also encourages and deepens tourism and business ties between Latin America and the Research Triangle area. This new route also provides the opportunity for more American tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama,” expressed Dennis Cary, Sr. Vice President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Copa Airlines. 

RDU has added four new international airlines and three new international destinations in recent months. Air France welcomed its first flight from Paris in October, Lufthansa will begin service to Frankfurt, Germany in June and Aeromexico will launch flights to Mexico City in July. RDU now serves 10 international destinations – double the number the airport served in 2019. 

Panama City Service Fast Facts: 

Starts: June 21, 2024 

Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday  

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)