Panama is once again exploring a direct air connection with Dubai

• 12 February, 26

The possibility of establishing a direct air connection between Panama and Dubai was once again placed on the bilateral agenda after the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez and the President and CEO of Emirates Airlines , Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting revived a topic that has been raised on several occasions during the last decade , but which has not yet resulted in a regular route between the two destinations. During the meeting, authorities discussed the option of opening a direct flight between Tocumen International Airport and Dubai, as well as possible expansions of airport infrastructure to accommodate a potential long-haul operation.

The Emirati representatives highlighted Panama’s strategic value as a regional logistics hub and its role as a connection point between Latin America , the Caribbean and other international markets.

The air relationship between Panama and the United Arab Emirates has a legal framework in place since 2011, when both countries signed an open skies agreement, later ratified, which allows airlines to operate routes with greater flexibility.

Panamanian authorities emphasized that Tocumen maintains its position as one of the most important airports in the region in terms of passenger volume and connectivity.

Panama’s open skies policy is based on specific agreements with particular countries, such as the one it maintains with the United States and the one it signed with the United Arab Emirates (legal basis for operating routes between both destinations).

In recent years Panama has expanded its network with air service agreements with countries such as Barbados, Canada, Portugal, Peru, Bolivia, Belize, Jordan, Guyana, Saudi Arabia and the Bahamas , which enable frameworks to operate flights under agreed conditions.

Despite renewed interest and the existence of formal agreements, authorities acknowledge that a direct route between Panama and Dubai faces technical, financial, and operational challenges such as sustained demand, the operating costs of ultra-long-haul flights , and competition with other established routes.

However, the government believes that the growth in air traffic, Panama’s positioning as a regional hub, and the strengthening of ties with the Middle East create a more favorable scenario than in previous years. The potential arrival of an airline like Emirates could open new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and the country’s global connectivity.

This article is written by Solaya, powered by Mercan Asia — an insights platform focused on global residency, citizenship-by-investment, and real estate trends. If you’re interested in more insights like this, explore further on SOLAYA ASIA.