On July 6, Copa Airlines began new service between Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Panama City, Panama. A celebration was held at the airport to commemorate the inaugural flight that included traditional Panamanian dancers, food and drink, giveaways, speakers, and a ribbon cutting.

This new route will offer connections to over fifty-five destinations in Latin America, via Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Copa Airlines airline, based out of Panama, will be the sixth international airline at AUS and the fourth new carrier to launch since 2020.

This is the first nonstop flight to the capital city of Panama from AUS. Austinites and Central Texans can now conveniently travel to a city known for its historical heritage, plazas, music and cuisine, or continue on their trip to one of the many popular destinations in Latin America.

Doug Driskill, Chair of the Austin Chamber Air Service Task Force, was one of the speakers on hand to celebrate the new service. “Today marks an important milestone, a new partnership with Copa Airlines. As of today, this partnership is connecting our city and community to the beautiful country of Panama. A partnership that was years in the making and that we know our community will appreciate and take advantage of.”

There was a multiyear effort to secure this route with Copa Airlines. Executives from Copa visited Austin in 2021 and 2022 and were hosted by the Austin Chamber and Opportunity Austin and were provided data compiled by staff about the region and air service demand. Then late in 2022, staff from Opportunity Austin and the Austin Chamber, along with Visit Austin staff, airport executives, and members of our Air Service Task Force, traveled to Panama to make a formal pitch to Copa executives to bring service to Austin. We are proud that these efforts have created a new travel option for Austinites.

The new Copa Airlines flights to and from Austin offer four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This is the first destination for Copa Airlines in Texas. The flight will operate using a Copa Boeing 737-800.

Book your travel on Copa Airlines today at CopaAir.com