Copa Airlines unveils new route from Raleigh-Durham, NC to Panama City, Panama

PANAMA CITY – Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., and a member of the Star Alliance global airline network, announces the launch of its new service from its Hub of the Americas in Panama City, Panama to the Raleigh-Durham region of North Carolina, starting on June 21, 2024. With this new route, Copa Airlines expands its network to 85 destinations in 32 countries North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.

“We remain steadfast in our purpose to shorten distances and facilitate connections, allowing Panama to expand its role as the bridge that unites millions of people throughout the Americas while contributing to the economic development of the communities where we operate. 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. This new route also provides the opportunity for more American tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama,” expressed Dennis Cary, Sr. Vice President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Copa Airlines.

Copa strengthens its offering in the U.S. with the addition of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the gateway to the “Research Triangle” of North Carolina, a region known for its proximity to prestigious universities and their position as a hub for innovation and technology. Additionally, the Triangle Region boasts a rich culinary scene, access to exceptional beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, and cultural spaces including many museums and botanical gardens.

“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’s vast international network.”

This new route joins the 15 destinations served by the airline in the United States and will start operations on June 21, with four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 8:56 a.m. from Panama (local time) and arriving at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) at 2:28 p.m. (local time). The return flight will depart on the same days from Raleigh-Durham at 4:20 p.m., reaching Panama City at 7:46 p.m. (local time).

In addition to the Raleigh-Durham region, Copa Airlines will launch a new route in South America starting June 25, connecting the Hub of the Americas® in Panama to the city of Florianopolis, Brazil, the seventh destination for the airline in this country. Copa Airlines will also add another new route in Mexico starting on June 26, the fifth destination for the airline in the country operating from the newly inaugurated Tulum International Airport. This service will connect the Americas to the enchanting city of Tulum located between Riviera Maya and the Bacalar region of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

North Carolina residents can now benefit from Copa’s world-class, award-winning service. Maintaining its leadership in the Latin American region, Copa Airlines was recognized by Cirium as the “Most Punctual Airline in Latin America in 2023” and has been recognized nine times during the past ten years. Achieving an impressive on-time arrival rate of 89.46%, Copa Airlines was among the top three most punctual airlines globally in 2023.