Wannukandi Airport (NBL)

Wannukandi Airport (NBL) serves as a remote gateway to the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), though most travelers now reach this archipelago via the more popular land-sea route from Panama City rather than flying. Upon landing at this basic grass airstrip, travelers must pay the Guna Yala entrance fee of $20 USD for foreigners ($5 for Panamanian residents) plus an additional $2-3 USD for each island you plan to visit. Island hopping requires private boat arrangements as there is no public transportation between islands in the San Blas archipelago.

Air Panama previously operated regular scheduled services but currently only charter flights are available to this and other Guna Yala airstrips including El Porvenir, Playon Chico, and Corazón de Jesús. All transactions are cash-only in US dollars, as there are no ATMs or banking facilities anywhere in the archipelago. Most lodges include boat transfers in their packages, but independent travelers must negotiate with local boat operators (lanchas) who gather near the airstrip when flights arrive.

Charter flights from Panama City's Albrook Airport take approximately 30-45 minutes, offering spectacular aerial views of the 365 islands and coral reefs, though costs typically exceed $200 USD per person each way. The airstrip has no terminal facilities beyond a simple shelter, so arriving passengers should immediately arrange boat transfers to their accommodation, typically costing $15-25 USD depending on distance. Weather considerations are crucial, with the dry season (January-May) bringing stronger winds that can affect both flights and boat transfers, while the rainy season (June-December) sees calmer seas but potential afternoon thunderstorms that may delay or cancel flights.

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