RDU travelers can soon fly to Panama City

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) revealed on Monday the newest international airline to come to the airport.

RDU travelers can soon take direct flights to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama, on Copa Airlines. Copa will become RDU’s 18th airline and Panama City will be its 10th international destination when service begins in June.

"We are proud to welcome Copa Airlines to RDU as we help connect the diverse Triangle region with popular destinations around the world," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "This new gateway will provide Triangle travelers easy access to Central and South America and the Caribbean through Copa Airlines’ vast international network."

The airline will begin making direct flights to Panama City on June 21, 2024. Travelers can make the trip to Panama City on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

"The introduction of the new Raleigh-Durham route not only promotes cultural exchanges within the Americas but also encourages and deepens tourism and business ties between Latin America and the Research Triangle area," said Dennis Cary, senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Copa Airlines. "This new route also provides the opportunity for more American tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama."

This announcement is another in a series of new flights from the airport.

The growth at RDU is taking off – and so is the number of flights as the airport prepares to announce yet another international airline landing on the tarmac.

It was only a few months ago when Aeromexico became the third new airline to begin international service at RDU. We can’t forget to mention the inaugural Air France flight from Paris to RDU, and nonstop services to Frankfurt, Germany, which will begin this June.