Get ready for some good news, travelers! Avianca is set to launch a new daily flight route connecting San José, Costa Rica, and Panama City, Panama, starting October 27th. This exciting development means that you can now zip over to Panama for business or leisure without the hassle of layovers.
The New Route: More Seats, More Convenience
The new service will operate seven times a week, providing a whopping 2,000 seats for passengers each week. Each flight will have the capacity to carry 180 passengers. Avianca’s Director of Sales for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, Rolando Damas, highlighted that this new route will significantly cut down travel times and eliminate unnecessary layovers.
Flight Schedule: Easy and Efficient
Here’s a peek at the flight schedule: Departures from Juan Santamaría Airport in Costa Rica will be at 10:15 AM, arriving at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at 12:35 PM (Panama time). For the return journey, flights will leave Panama at 1:30 PM and touch down in Costa Rica at 1:45 PM (local time).
Competition in the Skies
According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), only Copa Airlines and Wingo currently offer direct flights to central Panama, while Sansa operates a route to Bocas del Toro. This new Avianca service promises to shake things up by offering more options for travelers.
Ticket Prices: What to Expect
We took a quick look at ticket prices and found that a round-trip flight from San José to Panama City, departing on October 27th and returning on November 3rd, is priced at $172. This base fare doesn’t include carry-on or checked luggage, so your final cost may vary based on your baggage needs and other preferences.
Travel Trends: Panama Tops the List
The ICT reports, drawing from the Directorate General of Migration and Immigration (DGME) data, that Panama was the most popular destination for Costa Rican travelers in the first half of 2024. With 151,928 departures, Panama just edged out the United States, which saw 147,737 departures. The popularity of Panama as a travel destination is partly due to Tocumen International Airport’s status as a major connection hub in Latin America. Copa Airlines uses this terminal extensively to connect passengers to various destinations across the region.
Visitor Stats: Panama to Costa Rica
In the same period, 23,555 Panamanian tourists visited Costa Rica, making Panama the second-largest source of tourists from Central America, trailing only Nicaragua.
What This Means for Travelers
For frequent travelers between Costa Rica and Panama, this new Avianca route is a game-changer. Whether you’re heading to Panama for business meetings, a shopping spree, or a quick getaway, this direct flight saves time and hassle. It’s also a great option for those looking to explore Panama’s rich cultural offerings, from the Panama Canal to the bustling streets of Panama City.
A Boost for Both Economies
This new route isn’t just about convenience. It’s also expected to boost economic ties between the two nations. Increased travel means more business opportunities and a stronger tourism sector, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.
Final Thoughts
Avianca’s new daily service between San José and Panama City is set to make travel between these two vibrant cities smoother and more efficient. With competitive pricing and the elimination of layovers, this route is poised to become a favorite for many travelers. So, mark your calendars for October 27th and get ready to book your tickets!
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