Panama Pacifico Airport

Panama Pacifico Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is an atmospheric aviation gateway situated on the grounds of a formerly legendary airbase, where history seamlessly intertwines with modernity. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and located just a few minutes' drive from the famous Panama Canal, it welcomes guests with a surprising tranquility that is so rare for international airports. Here, your journey begins without unnecessary bustle or queues, allowing you to instantly immerse yourself in the relaxed and warm rhythm of Latin America.

Despite its modest size compared to the main capital hub, Panama Pacifico Airport possesses a number of significant advantages highly valued by experienced travelers.

• Lightning-fast formalities: Thanks to the compactness of the single terminal, the path from the aircraft steps to the city exit often takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Passport control and baggage claim here are much faster than in the congested Tocumen.
• Hub for budget travel: The airport specializes in serving low-cost carriers (specifically Wingo airlines). This makes it an ideal choice for tourists wishing to save on flights to Colombia, Costa Rica, and other Caribbean countries.
• Convenient logistics: The airport is located west of the city, making it strategically convenient for those planning to head immediately to the Pacific coast beaches (for example, Playa Bonita or Coronado), bypassing capital traffic jams.
• Atmosphere of tranquility: There are no noisy crowds or endless labyrinths of corridors here. Simple and clear navigation makes the stay at the airport comfortable and stress-free.

Below you will find contact information for Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any arising questions. Please note that the airport is managed by Tocumen S.A., so many contacts are general for all airports under their management.

• Official Website: Since the airport is managed by Tocumen S.A., current information is best found on their official website: www.tocumenpanama.aero.
• Help Desk Phone: For information about flights and services, you can call the unified call center at: (+507) 238-2700.
• Airport Address: Panamá Pacífico International Airport, Balboa, Ancón District, Panama.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact customer support: atencion_al_cliente@tocumenpanama.aero.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official social media pages of the management company Tocumen S.A. (e.g., X/Twitter: @Tocumen_Aero).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, first contact your airline's representative. If you lost personal items within the terminal building, contact the airport's lost and found service by emailing objetosolvidados@tocumenpanama.aero.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve most issues, it is recommended to use the main phone number (+507) 238-2700 or the support service email address.

Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB), located west of the center of Balboa and Panama City, near the Panama Canal, serves mainly budget and charter flights. You can get to it in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport is the most economical option. You can reach the Panama Pacifico area via the Metrobus city bus system. You will need a reloadable card to pay the fare. Although this is a very cheap method, it may not be the most convenient if you have many suitcases, as you may have to walk some distance from the bus stop on the main road to the terminal. There is no direct metro or train connection to the airport.

Taxis and Transfers are the most balanced and popular choice. A taxi ride or a trip via apps like Uber and Cabify from central areas of Panama City will take approximately 20-40 minutes excluding traffic and will cost on average 20-30 USD. This method is particularly convenient as the driver will take you directly to the terminal entrance. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which guarantees a fixed price and no hassle upon arrival.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to travel around Panama independently. Offices of major rental companies are present at the airport and its vicinity. Having a car will give you the freedom to explore the beaches and national parks west of the capital. The road from the city passes over the Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Américas), which is known for traffic jams during peak hours, so allow extra time for the trip.

If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, you can use the parking facilities. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available at the terminal, making this option convenient for those seeing someone off or leaving their car for the duration of their trip.

Important Tip: Many international travelers arrive at the country's main hub, Tocumen International Airport (PTY), and then transfer to flights from Pacifico. Factor in the time (at least 1.5-2 hours) and the cost of transfer between airports when planning connections. Regardless of the chosen method, always check the current traffic situation, especially if your trip falls on a weekday morning or evening.

Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB), located on the former Howard Air Force Base, is a compact and modern aviation hub. Its structure is maximally simple and clear for travelers, making it a convenient alternative to the country's main international airport.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, primarily for budget airlines. Due to its small size, navigation through the terminal presents no difficulty. All key zones are within walking distance of each other, and the flow of movement is intuitive.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in a general area with check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security checkpoint, beyond which lies a small but cozy waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is organized just as efficiently: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers proceed to passport control, then to the baggage claim hall and customs.

A huge advantage of Pacifico Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than in major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before an international flight departure to go through all procedures without rushing. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required, which eliminates confusion and saves time.

The history of Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is unique and closely linked to the history of the Panama Canal. Initially, it was not a civilian facility, but a military airbase. It was founded in 1942 by the United States under the name Howard Air Force Base and for decades played a key strategic role in the region, serving as the main US Air Force stronghold in South America.

A crucial historical event in the airport's destiny was its transfer to the jurisdiction of Panama. This process was part of the implementation of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, under which the Panama Canal Zone and all American military facilities within it gradually passed under Panamanian control. The final handover of Howard Air Force Base took place on November 1, 1999, opening a new chapter in its history.

After the transition to Panamanian management, a large-scale transformation began. The former military base was converted into a modern civilian airport and became part of a major commercial and logistics project — the special economic zone Panamá Pacífico. The airport was renamed Panama Pacifico International Airport and positioned as an alternative to the country's main airport, Tocumen, specializing primarily in serving budget airlines and charter flights.

Significant modernization was carried out to adapt to new tasks. Military hangars and structures were reconstructed, and in 2014, a new passenger terminal was opened, which was later expanded to increase capacity. Today, the airport in Balboa is an important transport node that contributes to the economic development of the region and makes travel across Latin America more accessible.

Despite its compact size, Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is designed to ensure convenience for both departing and arriving travelers.

You can have a snack before your flight at one of several cafes and snack bars serving beverages, sandwiches, and light meals. For those wishing to shop, there are stores, including Duty Free with an assortment of perfumes, beverages, and souvenirs. The selection here is not as extensive as in major hubs, but essential goods for travelers are available.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special stations and outlets are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets. Although the airport may not have specialized VIP lounges of major alliances, there are comfortable waiting areas for all passengers.

Financial matters can be resolved on-site: the airport has ATMs installed, as well as currency exchange points. In case of need, passengers can seek medical assistance at a special first aid station operating within the terminal.

The airport is equipped for the comfortable stay of passengers with special needs: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking. Families with small children can use the mother and child room for infant care.

There are no hotels directly in the airport building, however, in the immediate vicinity, in the Panama Pacifico area, as well as in the capital, which can be quickly reached by taxi, there are many accommodation options for every taste and budget. Specialized business centers or conference halls are absent in the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights rather than business events.

Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) is a compact airport serving mainly budget airlines, so the choice of dining establishments here is more modest compared to the main international airport, Tocumen (PTY). Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary here to have a snack before departure.

The majority of cafes and snack bars are located in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security screening (airside). In the public zone (landside), before check-in, the choice is usually limited to a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks. Therefore, if you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so after completing all formalities.

In the departure zone, you will typically find one or two cafes offering a standard set for travelers. For a quick snack, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and empanadas — fried pastries with various fillings popular in Panama — are excellent choices. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, you can order hot sandwiches or simple ready-made dishes. The assortment also includes soft drinks, juices, and local beverages.

Options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) are quite limited. Please note that certified Halal options may be limited, so checking ingredients is advisable. It is recommended to look for ready-made packaged salads, fruit cuts, or bring food with you. Prices at Pacifico Airport are average for airports — higher than in the city, but not excessive. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve all departing passengers.

To ensure your journey through Panama Pacifico Airport (BLB) goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. This airport, serving the city of Balboa, is a convenient gateway for exploring Panama.

Arrival time at the airport: To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at Panama Pacifico Airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. Although it is not the largest airport, extra time will allow you to calmly go through all pre-flight formalities, check in luggage, and find your boarding gate.

Check-in and Security Control: Most airlines offer online check-in, which significantly saves time. If you are checking in at the airport, keep your passport and ticket ready. Security control here is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage. Procedures usually go faster than in major international hubs.

Seat Selection: When choosing a seat, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat offers more legroom and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors. Study the cabin layout on the airline's website in advance; sometimes more comfortable seats can be booked for an additional fee.

Hand Luggage: Remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact luggage and hand luggage rules on your airline's website.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a transfer at Pacifico Airport, check with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is quite compact, so finding the right gate for the next flight will not be difficult. Simply follow the signs for "Connecting flights" or "Transfers".

Customs Control: Upon arrival in the country, you will have to undergo customs control. You will need to fill out a customs declaration. Honestly declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid delays and possible fines. Usually, the procedure is quick and without complications.

How to save time and money: Check in for your flight online to avoid standing in line. Travel light, if possible with only hand luggage. Book a transfer from the airport in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after the security zone, and light snacks to avoid spending on expensive food.

If your flight is delayed: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for current information. Find out about your rights as a passenger: depending on the duration of the wait, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. If you have travel insurance, contact the insurance company to clarify possible coverage of expenses.