Our history
Over 75 years connecting Panama with the world.
- 1947
Origins and first terminal
Tocumen International Airport was inaugurated on June 1, 1947, by President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Brin. This terminal, which today operates as the Cargo Terminal, was built on a 7.2 square kilometer area at 41 meters above sea level.
1947Origins and first terminal
Tocumen International Airport was inaugurated on June 1, 1947, by President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Brin. This terminal, which today operates as the Cargo Terminal, was built on a 7.2 square kilometer area at 41 meters above sea level.
- 1978
Construction of the new terminal
Growing demand for air operations exceeded the original terminal's capacity. In 1971, under General Omar Torrijos Herrera, the Tocumen River was diverted to allow construction of a new terminal, inaugurated on August 15, 1978.
1978Construction of the new terminal
Growing demand for air operations exceeded the original terminal's capacity. In 1971, under General Omar Torrijos Herrera, the Tocumen River was diverted to allow construction of a new terminal, inaugurated on August 15, 1978.
- 1990
Runways and operational capacity
Tocumen has two runways. The old terminal is used for cargo and private flights and can serve as an alternate runway. The main runway measures 3,050 meters and is used by commercial airlines.
1990Runways and operational capacity
Tocumen has two runways. The old terminal is used for cargo and private flights and can serve as an alternate runway. The main runway measures 3,050 meters and is used by commercial airlines.
- 2003
Administrative transition
Until May 31, 2003, the airport was managed by the Civil Aeronautics Directorate. From June 1, Law No. 23 allowed the creation of Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen S.A., the company that currently manages it.
2003Administrative transition
Until May 31, 2003, the airport was managed by the Civil Aeronautics Directorate. From June 1, Law No. 23 allowed the creation of Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen S.A., the company that currently manages it.
- 2006
Modern expansion
An expansion and modernization program began with the construction of the North Pier, increasing the airport's capacity by 50% to handle up to 15 million passengers per year.
2006Modern expansion
An expansion and modernization program began with the construction of the North Pier, increasing the airport's capacity by 50% to handle up to 15 million passengers per year.
- 2019
Terminal 2 and the future
Terminal 2 features cutting-edge design, 54 boarding gates and 12 remote positions, allowing up to 21 million passengers. Before the pandemic, Tocumen operated with 23 airlines and 85 destinations across 37 countries.
2019Terminal 2 and the future
Terminal 2 features cutting-edge design, 54 boarding gates and 12 remote positions, allowing up to 21 million passengers. Before the pandemic, Tocumen operated with 23 airlines and 85 destinations across 37 countries.