Tocumen International Airport is preparing a new arbitration process against Odebrecht for damages related to the areas of Terminal 2, after the parties did not reach an agreement during the negotiation stage.
Tocumen’s legal advisor, María Teresa Ponce, explained that this case corresponds to a process different from the previous arbitration that ended with a ruling favorable to the airport for $30.76 million.
“They are two different arbitration processes,” Ponce clarified during the appearance before deputies.
The first process was related to damages and losses linked to Terminal 2. As explained by the legal advisor, the arbitration court recognized $30.76 million in damages and lost profits in favor of Tocumen. The defendant attempted to overturn the result, but in October 2025 a court confirmed the validity of the award.
Tocumen maintains the efforts to collect that money. However, Ponce warned that recovery depends on available assets and the order of priority of creditors, due to Odebrecht’s insolvency situation.
The second process corresponds to damage to the apron and aircraft circulation areas of Terminal 2. Tocumen formally notified the existence of the dispute and opened a negotiation stage that did not produce an agreement.
For this reason, the airport administration prepares the documentation to start a new arbitration.
Tocumen estimates $6 million in repairs
The manager of the Tocumen International Airport, José Ruiz, reported that the administration allocated approximately $6 million during the last two and a half years for maintenance and repair work related to this situation.
Ruiz explained that the estimated cost to repair the affected areas is around $15 million.
“This must be repaired as soon as possible,” said the Tocumen manager, explaining the need to address the deficiencies to prevent costs from continuing to increase.
According to Ruiz, maintaining repairs for several years could represent a considerable expense for the airport.
“It’s 6 million dollars in 2 and a half years,” he said. He also warned that if the problem continues, the cumulative cost of repairs could approach or even exceed the amount needed to execute a comprehensive repair.
The guarantee and the figure of ruin of the work
During the appearance, questions also arose about the guarantees of the Terminal 2 works.
Ponce explained that some areas have already lost the warranty period, so Tocumen analyzes the legal avenue for the so-called ruin of the work, which allows claims for certain damages within the period established by legislation.
The official also explained that there was a performance bond and that Tocumen went to the corresponding insurer to attend to warranty work. Part of these claims were managed through the insurer and not directly with airport resources.
Ramón Zambrano, vice president of Engineering and Projects at Tocumen, distinguished between the work related to unaccepted or pending elements of the terminal and the repairs to the aircraft circulation areas, which are part of the new conflict that could reach arbitration.
Tocumen seeks to avoid another process without agreement
Ruiz recalled that the administration tried to find a solution before resorting to an arbitration process again.
As he explained, Odebrecht representatives approached him to request more time in order to carry out studies on the damage. Tocumen’s position was that the company had to assume its responsibility.
“Take responsibility,” Ruiz said, summarizing the administration’s position during the talks.
When an agreement was not reached, Tocumen decided to move towards a new process.
“We inherited many things that make us angry, the truth is. As a Panamanian, they make us angry, but we are facing it,” said Ruiz.
The new arbitration seeks to establish responsibilities and the extent of damages, while Tocumen maintains the necessary work to guarantee the safe operation of Terminal 2.
