Airport, Ports + Logistics Services in Panama

Logistic Services in Panama

Panama’s logistics sector has evolved to support international trade through an integrated network of seaports, airports, special economic zones, and multimodal transportation systems. With nearly a century of coordinated logistics activity, Panama has established itself as a regional and global hub for trade and distribution between North and South America.

Its strategic geographic position and ongoing infrastructure development continue to attract investors and multinational corporations seeking efficient transshipment, warehousing, and distribution centers for global markets.

Airports

Panama has one of the most advanced airport infrastructures in Latin America. Tocumen International Airport serves as the main hub for the Americas, connecting North and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. It is the home base of Copa Airlines and hosts over 20 other airlines including Lufthansa, Air China, United, Turkish, Delta, and American Airlines.

In 2023, Tocumen handled more than 10 million passengers and over 208,000 metric tons of cargo. Its expansion has added 20 new gates, 8 remote positions, 8,000 m² of commercial and duty-free space, 3,000 m² of VIP areas, and modern customs facilities.

Besides Tocumen, Panama has six other international airports and 24 airstrips, allowing flexible domestic and regional transport. This growing air cargo movement has fueled the development of logistics parks and warehousing centers near Tocumen Airport.

The Tocumen International Airport Multimodal Zone — developed under Panama’s Free Trade Zone regime — offers 180,000 m² of logistics-ready space, expandable to over 300,000 m² for warehousing and logistics operations.

Ports in Panama

Panama operates a network of modern seaports handling containerized, bulk, liquid, and general cargo, as well as cruise passengers. Key terminals on the Atlantic coast include Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), Cristóbal (PPC), Colón Container Terminal (CCT), and Colón Port Terminal (CPT). On the Pacific side, the Port of Balboa — also operated by Panama Ports Company — is the primary container terminal.

Additional terminals include PSA Panama International Terminal (part of the Port of Singapore group), Bocas Fruit Co. at Almirante, and Rambala Terminal at Chiriquí Grande. Cruise facilities include Colón 2000 on the Atlantic and Amador Cruise Terminal on the Pacific, built by China Harbour Engineering Company.

New LNG and petroleum terminals are under development, further enhancing Panama’s maritime infrastructure.

Logistic Parks

Panama’s logistics assets serve both domestic and international markets. The country’s seaports handled over 7.3 million TEUs in 2019, and Tocumen’s air hub continues to grow. Special investment areas such as the Colón Free Zone and Panama Pacífico promote re-exporting and high-tech logistics operations with tax, labor, and migratory incentives.

Panama’s small geographic size allows close integration between ports, airports, railways, and special economic zones. This proximity facilitates efficient third-party logistics, warehousing, and distribution services, leveraging world-class transportation infrastructure.

New logistics parks and industrial zones continue to emerge, offering business opportunities for companies looking to establish regional distribution hubs.

Investment Opportunities

Among the major opportunities is the construction of a new Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro/Ro) port in Corozal, owned by the Panama Canal Authority. Although currently on hold, it remains a high-potential future project. Tocumen Airport is also expanding with a free trade zone and modernized cargo terminal for value-added logistics operations.

Maritime industries remain a cornerstone of Panama’s economy, representing around 35% of its GDP. Emerging investment areas include:

• Oil and LNG terminals for ships transiting the Canal
• Ship and yacht repairs
• Ship and yacht management from free trade zones
• Ship and yacht building under Law 52 of 2016
• P&I and marine insurance services under Law 52 incentives
• Ship financing services structured in Panama
• Marina development