Pedasi (Capt. J. Montenegro)

Pedasi Airport (Capt. J. Montenegro) is not merely a runway, but a cosy aerial gateway to the Azuero Peninsula, one of the most authentic and colourful regions of Panama. Unlike major international hubs, it offers travellers a swift and tranquil arrival, allowing them to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a tropical holiday almost immediately. This small airfield serves as the ideal starting point for exploring famous beaches, experiencing the culture, and observing the region's wildlife.

The main advantage of Captain Justiniano Montenegro Airport is its compactness and simplicity. There are no long queues for check-in or tiresome waits for luggage here. Procedures take minimal time, which is particularly valuable for tourists eager to reach their hotel or the beach as soon as possible. The airport serves as a key transport hub for travellers heading to the town of Pedasi, the world-class surf spots at Playa Venao, or the Isla Iguana wildlife refuge.

Although the airport is small, it fulfils its primary function — delivering guests quickly and conveniently to one of the country's most picturesque locations. Upon landing here, you immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere of the Panamanian province, leaving the bustle of the big city behind. It is the ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer to begin their holiday without unnecessary stress.

Pedasi Airport, named after Captain Justiniano Montenegro (Pedasí Airport), is a small regional airport primarily serving domestic and charter flights. Due to its size, most information and passenger services are provided directly by the airlines rather than by centralised airport services.

• Address: The airport is located in the Los Santos province, near the town of Pedasi and the administrative centre of Las Tablas, Panama.
• Official Website, Phone, and Email: The airport does not have its own official website or public contact details for enquiries. For information regarding flight schedules, bookings, and other matters, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Social Media: There are no specialised social media accounts for the airport. Up-to-date information should be sought on the pages of the air carriers.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the support service of the airline with which you travelled.
• Passenger Support: Passenger support is also carried out by representatives of the airlines operating flights to Pedasi Airport.

Captain Justiniano Montenegro Airport (IATA: PDM), better known as Pedasi Airport, is a key air hub for the resort town of the same name and its surroundings, including the city of Las Tablas. Located on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, this small regional airport mainly serves domestic flights. Reaching it from nearby settlements is not difficult, though transport options have their specificities.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most convenient and reliable way to reach the airport. A journey from the centre of Las Tablas will take approximately 40–45 minutes and cost around $30–40. If you are in Pedasi itself, the trip to the terminal will take just 5–10 minutes, and the cost will be minimal (about $3–5). Many hotels in Pedasi can also organise a transfer for their guests, which is worth verifying when booking.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the picturesque Azuero Peninsula. Although there are no rental company desks directly within the small terminal of Pedasi Airport, you can rent a car in larger cities such as Chitre or Las Tablas and drive comfortably to the airport. This is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family.

For travellers with their own or a rented vehicle, the airport provides a small outdoor car park. Given the modest size and traffic of the airport, finding a space is usually not difficult. Most often, parking is free of charge, making it a convenient option for those dropping off or meeting passengers.

The most budget-friendly, but also the least predictable option, is public transport. There is no direct bus route to the terminal. You would need to take a bus running between Las Tablas and Pedasi and ask the driver to stop as close to the airport as possible. You will then have to walk about 5–10 minutes from the highway to the terminal entrance. The bus fare is very low (usually no more than $2–3), but this method is not recommended if you have heavy luggage or are pressed for time.

To summarise, for a trip to Pedasi Airport, it is best to choose a taxi for its reliability or a rental car for flexibility. Public transport is suitable only for the most economical and undemanding tourists. Whichever method you choose, we recommend setting off with a little time to spare to avoid rushing before your flight.

Captain Justiniano Montenegro Airport, serving the town of Pedasi in Panama, represents a small regional aviation hub. It is important to understand that its structure differs fundamentally from large international airports, making it very simple and convenient for passengers.

The airport consists of one small terminal that handles both departing and arriving flights. There is no division into Terminals A, B, or C here; all infrastructure is located within one compact building. The airport layout is extremely simple: upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters (if required for your flight) and the waiting area. The departure and arrival zones are effectively combined or located in immediate proximity to each other, so it is impossible to get lost here.

Check-in and security procedures are very quick thanks to the low passenger flow. Usually, this takes just a few minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 30-45 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. Inside the terminal, you will find basic amenities such as a waiting lounge and restrooms. Do not expect large Duty-Free shops or a multitude of restaurants here — everything is oriented towards quick and functional service.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. All necessary infrastructure is in one hall, and you will intuitively understand where to go. Airport staff are always ready to assist, and the small size of the terminal eliminates any difficulties in finding the boarding gate or baggage claim area. This makes travelling through Pedasi Airport as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The history of Pedasi Airport (PDM), officially known as Captain Justiniano Montenegro Airport, is primarily a story of transformation. Although the exact founding date of the original airfield is not recorded, for many years a simple runway existed at this location, serving mainly private aviation and local needs. It played a modest role in the transport system of a region known for its picturesque nature and traditions.

A key moment in the airport's history was the complete modernisation project carried out in 2012–2013. The government of Panama, aiming to unlock the tourism potential of the Azuero Peninsula, invested significant funds into turning the modest airfield into a modern air terminal. During the reconstruction, a new terminal zone and control tower were built, and the runway was lengthened and improved to accommodate larger aircraft. This event became a turning point not only for the airport but for the entire region, including the city of Las Tablas.

Since its "rebirth" in 2013, the airport has not undergone such massive changes, yet its role has steadily grown. It has become the main aerial gateway for tourists heading to the beaches of Pedasi, the famous Iguana Island, and other coastal attractions. Today, the airport serves regular domestic flights connecting the region with the capital and continues to accept private aircraft.

One interesting fact is the name of the airport. It was named in honour of Captain Justiniano Montenegro, a pilot native to this area, which is a tribute to local aviation heroes. Thus, the history of Pedasi Airport is not a chronicle of records and loud events, but rather an example of how modern infrastructure can radically change the life of an entire region, opening it up to the world.

Pedasi Airport (PDM), also known as Captain Justiniano Montenegro Airport, is a small domestic airport serving a popular tourist region on the Azuero Peninsula. Given its compact dimensions, the range of passenger services is basic and focused on meeting essential needs before departure.

In the Pedasi Airport terminal, you will find a simple waiting lounge. It is important to note that there are no restaurants, large cafes, or duty-free shops here. Passengers are advised to have a meal and make necessary purchases in the town of Pedasi before arriving at the airport. Shopping opportunities are extremely limited or non-existent.

There are no specialised VIP lounges, conference rooms, or business centres at the airport. Access to Wi-Fi is generally not provided, and the number of sockets for charging electronic devices may be limited. It is recommended to carry a portable charger. ATMs, currency exchange points, and medical stations are also absent from the terminal building — all financial and medical matters are best resolved in advance.

The airport ensures basic accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, and staff are ready to provide assistance if necessary. However, special mother-and-child rooms or play areas for children are not provided here. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but in the town of Pedasi itself, located a few minutes' drive away, there are numerous accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

When planning a departure from Pedasi Airport (Capt. J. Montenegro) (PDM), it is important to consider its specific features. It is a small regional airport serving mainly local flights, and its infrastructure is minimal. There are no restaurants, cafes, or lounges on the airport premises. Opportunities to purchase food and beverages are extremely limited or completely absent, so one should not count on a full lunch or even a quick snack before departure.

We recommend eating beforehand at one of the numerous establishments in the town of Pedasi, which is in close proximity to the airport. In the town, you will find various cafes and restaurants offering both Panamanian cuisine and international options. It is also a sensible decision to bring your own snacks and water to the airport, especially if you have specific dietary preferences (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), as finding suitable options on-site will be impossible.

Travelling through a small regional airport, such as Captain Justiniano Montenegro in the Las Tablas area, has its own specificities. It serves mainly domestic flights and offers a calmer atmosphere compared to major international hubs. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the modest size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you sufficient time to pass through check-in and security without rushing. Airlines operating flights from small airports may have strict rules regarding check-in deadlines, so it is better not to risk it. Online check-in, if available from your carrier, will help save time.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. Security rules here are standard. Ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and other dangerous substances are prohibited. The screening procedure usually goes faster than in large airports, but safety requirements remain just as strict.

Seat Selection and In-flight Comfort. Flights to/from Pedasi are usually operated on small aircraft. If seat selection is possible, choose a window seat — during take-off and landing, beautiful views of the Azuero Peninsula and the coast of Panama open up. Flights are generally short, so do not expect full service on board, but basic amenities will be provided.

Customs Control and Transfers. Pedasi Airport serves domestic flights, so there is no customs control here. If you are arriving in Panama from another country, you will pass customs and passport control at your first airport of arrival, most likely in Panama City. If you have a transfer planned at a larger airport, allow sufficient time for it, especially if you need to re-check luggage.

Saving Time and Money.

• Book in advance: Tickets for domestic flights often become more expensive closer to the departure date.
• Travel light: Check baggage allowances with your airline. Excess weight on small flights can be expensive, and sometimes oversized luggage is not accepted at all.
• Transport: Research in advance how to get from the airport to your hotel. In small towns, the choice of taxis or public transport may be limited.

What to do in case of a flight delay? In a small airport, waiting options are limited. Ensure your phone and other devices are fully charged, and have a portable power bank with you. A book or a downloaded film would be useful. In the event of a delay or cancellation, contact an airline representative immediately for information on further actions. Remain calm and be prepared that resolving issues may take some time.