{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Panama",
    "addressLocality": "R\u00edo Hato"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Various regional and national carriers"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "R\u00edo Hato",
  "code": "RIH",
  "connection_tips": "Scarlett Mart\u00ednez International Airport (RIH) is a modern and strategically located aviation gateway in the Cocl\u00e9 Province of Panama, serving as the primary hub for the booming 'Riviera Pac\u00edfica' beach resort region. Arriving at least 2 hours before your flight is recommended to navigate the security and boarding processes. The climate is tropical and humid year-round, with a significant rainy season from May to November, during which intense afternoon thunderstorms can cause localized delays.\n\nLocated in Rio Hato, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Panama City, it primarily caters to international charters and low-cost carriers from Canada and the US. Ground transportation to the various major resorts, such as Playa Blanca and Bijao, is very straightforward, with pre-arranged shuttles or local taxis reaching the main attractions in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. For those exploring the central highlands or the historic town of Penonom\u00e9, Rio Hato is the essential starting point.\n\nThe terminal is functional and efficient, designed to process large groups of vacationers quickly, but it lacks the extensive duty-free shopping found at Tocumen International (PTY). The airport is located directly on the Pan-American Highway, making it an exceptionally convenient transit point for the central provinces. Always confirm your flight details and pre-arrange your ground transportation, as the airport provides a professional and streamlined environment for international sun-seekers.",
  "country": "Panama",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/pa.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PAB",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Check local transport options from Scarlett Martinez International Airport to R\u00edo Hato.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Scarlett+Martinez+International+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PAB",
  "iataCode": "RIH",
  "icao": "MPRH",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 8.375833,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited dining and shopping; plan ahead for layovers.",
  "longitude": -80.127778,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline desk at Scarlett Martinez International Airport for rebooking assistance.",
  "name": "Scarlett Martinez International Airport",
  "region": "North America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "CTD",
      "name": "Alonso Valderrama Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "PDM",
      "name": "Capt. J. Montenegro Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "SYP",
      "name": "Ruben Cantu Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Scarlett Martinez International Airport operates as Panama's premier beach resort aviation gateway, positioned 3 kilometers east of R\u00edo Hato in Cocl\u00e9 Province at 121 feet elevation, representing one of Central America's most remarkable military-to-civilian airport conversions following a $53.2 million reconstruction project completed in 2013. Named in honor of Scarlett Martinez, a Panamanian airline co-pilot who tragically died in a 1992 crash, this facility transformed a World War II-era Rio Hato Army Air Base built in 1942 into a modern international terminal specifically designed to serve Panama's Pacific coast tourism boom.\n\nThe airport features a single 2,450-meter asphalt runway (17/35) incorporating remarkable engineering innovation where the runway crosses directly over the Pan-American Highway via a specially constructed tunnel system, ensuring uninterrupted highway traffic flow while maintaining aviation operations. The modern terminal building efficiently processes international charter flights primarily from Sunwings and other carriers serving Canadian and American vacationers, featuring streamlined immigration and customs facilities designed for rapid processing of leisure travelers destined for nearby luxury resorts including Playa Blanca, Decameron, and Farallon.\n\nOperational infrastructure reflects the airport's specialized tourism focus, with facilities optimized for handling charter aircraft and vacation travel rather than traditional commercial airline operations, supported by ground transportation systems providing 5-10 minute transfers to major Pacific coast resorts. The facility's unique history includes its role during Operation Just Cause in December 1989, when it became the first combat target for U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighters and witnessed the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 75th Ranger Regiment parachute assault that neutralized Panamanian Defense Forces positions.\n\nStrategic importance encompasses the airport's vital role supporting Panama's Pacific coast tourism development, enabling direct international access to luxury beach destinations that bypass Panama City's congestion while contributing significantly to regional economic development. The facility embodies successful infrastructure repurposing, transforming from a strategic military installation protecting the Panama Canal during World War II into a civilian gateway that has catalyzed tourism growth along Panama's Pacific Rivera, where the combination of tropical climate, luxury accommodations, and convenient aviation access has established the region as a premier Central American beach destination for North American travelers seeking convenient Caribbean-style luxury vacation experiences.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/MPRH/Scarlett-Martinez-International-Airport"
}