โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Scarlett Martinez International Airport operates as Panama's premier beach resort aviation gateway, positioned 3 kilometers east of Rรญo Hato in Coclรฉ 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.
The 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.
Operational 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.
Strategic 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.
๐ Connection Tips
Scarlett Martรญnez International Airport (RIH) is a modern and strategically located aviation gateway in the Coclรฉ Province of Panama, serving as the primary hub for the booming 'Riviera Pacรญfica' 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.
Located 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 Penonomรฉ, Rio Hato is the essential starting point.
The 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.
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
Achutupu Airport operates as Panama's most remote charter flight destination serving the Guna Yala autonomous territory (San Blas Islands), where the runway is located on the mainland requiring a mandatory 0.7-kilometer boat transfer to reach Achutupo island community. Air Panama and private charter operators including Blue Skies Panama provide exclusive service from Panama City's Albrook Airport using trusted Cessna aircraft for the 40-minute journey, with charter flights costing $695 USD one-way or $1,390 USD round-trip for up to 5 passengers (750-pound weight limit) and 25-pound baggage restriction per person.
Domestic connections require return to Panama City's Marcos A. Gelabert Airport at Albrook for onward flights, while international connections necessitate transfer to Tocumen International Airport located 20 kilometers east of the capital. The Guna Yala territory entrance fee increased to $25 USD per foreign visitor (effective January 2025), requiring cash payment along with original passport presentation to indigenous authorities managing this autonomous comarca. Flight schedules are extremely limited with rapid booking sellouts necessitating advance reservations, while weather dependencies can cause multi-day delays during rainy season (May-December).
Ground transportation involves pre-coordinated boat transfers (lanchas) from the mainland airstrip to island destinations, as no roads exist and formal ferry services are unavailable at the remote airstrip. Local Guna community members provide essential water taxi services typically costing $5-10 USD for the brief inter-island transfer, though arrangements must be made in advance through lodges or tour operators. Weather considerations include frequent afternoon thunderstorms affecting both aircraft and marine operations, strong Caribbean trade winds creating choppy sea conditions requiring waterproof luggage protection, and the airport's role supporting indigenous tourism management where visitors access pristine coral reefs, traditional Guna culture, and sustainable ecotourism initiatives in one of Central America's most protected marine environments.
โ Back to Scarlett Martinez International Airport