The possibility of establishing a direct flight between Panama and Japan gained strength again after the Civil Aeronautical Authority (CAA) received at the Tocumen International Airport executives from the Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) and staff from The Boeing Company for a technical visit aimed at evaluating the viability of the Panama-Tokyo route.
The meeting was coordinated by Tocumen, SA and was attended by representatives of the Foreign Ministry of Panama, as well as technical and executive staff of Copa Airlines.
As reported by the AAC, the meeting is part of the efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Panama and Japan, with a view to an eventual shared operation between airlines and the use of the Tocumen regional hub.
The entity explained that, under the direction of Rafael Bárcenas, progress was made in the bilateral negotiations necessary to specify the air traffic rights that would allow establishing a direct connection between both countries.
During the visit, the progress of the One Stop Security system was also presented, a mechanism that seeks to reinforce airport security and streamline the connectivity of passengers in transit within the Panamanian hub.
The initiative adds to the diplomatic and commercial efforts promoted since 2025 by the Panamanian Government to attract ANA’s operation to Panama.
That year, during an official visit to Japan, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha confirmed that both countries were working on establishing a direct air route between Panama City and Tokyo, with the aim of turning Panama into a more agile gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean for Japanese passengers and businesses.
The proposal arose in the midst of President José Raúl Mulino’s official visit to Japan, where he held meetings with authorities, shipping groups and businessmen during Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The Panamanian Government considers that a direct air connection with Tokyo would strengthen the positioning of Tocumen as a regional hub and expand commercial, tourist and logistical opportunities between Asia and Latin America.
