โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Two terminals: Terminal 1 (older, 26 gates) and modern Terminal 2 (opened 2019, 12 gates). Connected by airside walkway (8 min) or free shuttle bus (8-10 min, operates 5 AM-11 PM). Hub of the Americas - Copa Airlines headquarters. Terminal 2: modern, spacious, clean but very long distances between gates, limited moving walkways. Terminal 1: older infrastructure, some maintenance issues. Multiple Copa Club lounges: large 21,500 sq ft facility in T2 center (2nd floor), smaller in T1. Other lounges: Tocumen Royal Saloon (T1 landside), The Lounge (both terminals). 19.25 million passengers (2024 record). Free WiFi 2-hour limit. Food courts near Gates 30-40 and 200-210, close by 10 PM.
๐ Connection Tips
No customs/immigration required for connections - bags checked through to final destination. Gate numbers starting with 1 are in Terminal 1, starting with 2 are in Terminal 2. Double security check required for US flights. Very long walking distances in T2 with limited functioning moving walkways - allow extra time. Copa operates from both terminals but most international flights from T2. US carriers (American, Delta, United) typically use T1. Terminal connector: airside walkway takes 8 minutes, no rescreening needed when staying airside. Allow extra connection time for terminal changes.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Achutupu Airport (ACU) in Panama serves the Guna Yala Indigenous Region, specifically the community on Achutupo island. This is a very small, regional airfield, distinct for having its runway located on the mainland, approximately 0.7km southwest of the island, requiring a boat transfer for passengers to reach the island community. Its terminal facilities are extremely rudimentary, often consisting of a simple, basic building or a shelter that provides minimal amenities for passenger processing. The layout is minimalist, with direct access from the small landing strip to the basic waiting area on the mainland, before onward boat transfer. There are no complex multi-terminal configurations or extensive ground facilities; all operations are conducted within this singular, basic setup. Walking times on the mainland are negligible, typically mere seconds from arrival to the boat transfer point, emphasizing its functional role in providing essential access to remote indigenous communities.
Security procedures at ACU are minimal, consistent with its classification as a small, remote regional airfield. Formal security checkpoints with advanced screening equipment are not present. Security is typically a matter of visual checks, adherence to local aviation safety protocols, and direct coordination with pilots or local air taxi services. There are no significant wait times for any checks. As a domestic airfield, there are no immigration or customs facilities on site; these functions would be handled at larger, designated international entry points if applicable. Passengers should expect a highly informal and direct process, reflecting the very low volume of air traffic and the unique operational environment of an indigenous airstrip.
Amenities at Achutupu Airport are exceptionally sparse. Passengers should not expect any airline lounges, dedicated dining facilities, or retail shops. Any available provisions would be extremely limited, possibly from a very basic local vendor in the community, and travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and personal items. Seating in the waiting area is basic and often outdoors, and very limited. Accessibility features are rudimentary, primarily consisting of ground-level access, but the required boat transfer to the island presents unique challenges. Travelers requiring assistance must coordinate thoroughly in advance with their air operator or local contacts. Family facilities, such as play areas or nursing rooms, are entirely absent. The airstrip's main purpose is essential logistical support and access for remote indigenous communities, not passenger comfort or convenience. Weather and sea conditions can significantly impact both flying and boat operations.
๐ Connection Tips
Island airstrip requiring boat transfer from mainland runway. Weather and sea conditions affect both flying and boat operations. Limited services - coordinate in advance.
โ Back to Tocumen International Airport