Air Panama Considers Reactivating The Davidsan Jose Air Route In 2026 -

(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Air Panama is considering reactivating its David–San José, Costa Rica international route soon, as part of its plan to expand and strengthen regional connectivity. The airline is evaluating resuming the air route between the cities of David, Chiriquí province, and San José, Costa Rica, an international connection that the airline operated in the past and that could be reactivated during the first half of 2026, according to its CEO, Eduardo Stagg Vallarino.

“We plan to renew the flight we had between David and San José, Costa Rica. We are evaluating demand and market conditions,” the executive stated, referring to the airline's expansion plans, while announcing the addition of new aircraft. Stagg explained that Air Panama's growth strategy is based on responding to real business opportunities, without venturing into highly saturated routes. “We respond to business opportunities and demand. If there is demand for service on a route that we can fill, we do it, but we don't enter routes that are already very well served,” he pointed out.

Regional Connectivity and Tourism

The possible reactivation of this route would have a direct impact on the connectivity of the western part of the country, especially for the province of Chiriquí, by facilitating the transit of tourists, business travelers and residents between Panama and Costa Rica without having to go through the capital. The announcement comes in the context of strengthening Air Panama's fleet, following the addition of Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, with a capacity for 78 passengers, which allow for more efficient and frequent coverage of regional routes.

Operational Capacity and Gradual Expansion

Stagg indicated that, in addition to scheduled flights, the airline has increased its charter flight operations. Currently, Air Panama operates six aircraft, including two Dash 8 Q400s and four Fokker 50s, and maintains scheduled flights to Panama City, David, Chitré, Bocas del Toro, and Changuinola, with plans to progressively expand its network of destinations. The eventual reopening of the David–San Jose route would strengthen regional integration and consolidate Chiriquí as a strategic air connection point between Panama and Central America.

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