Copa announces new Panama flights to Santiago and Puerto Plata starting January 2026

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado announced today that Copa Airlines will launch six new weekly flights connecting Panama City with the Dominican cities of Santiago and Puerto Plata beginning in January 2026. The news, shared through Collado’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, marks a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity to the country’s northern region.

“Great news for Santiago and Puerto Plata!” wrote Collado. “Starting January 13 and 15 of next year, Copa will operate six new weekly flights from Panama: three to Puerto Plata and three to Santiago, using Boeing 737 aircraft with a capacity of approximately 166 passengers. These new routes will boost connectivity and increase visitor arrivals, especially from South and Central America.”

The additional flights are expected to play a key role in the sustainable growth of tourism in the Cibao region and along the north coast. By diversifying points of entry and easing access from major regional markets, the initiative supports the government’s broader strategy to decentralize visitor arrivals and generate economic opportunities beyond traditional hubs.

Copa Airlines will operate the routes with its modern Boeing 737 fleet, adding hundreds of new seats each week and helping position both Santiago and Puerto Plata as leading Caribbean destinations.

The Dominican Ministry of Tourism has welcomed the move as a strategic alliance that aligns with the country’s vision for a more inclusive and regionally balanced tourism industry. These new flights also contribute to ongoing efforts to reinforce the Dominican Republic’s status as a regional leader in tourism, highlighting its vast array of natural, cultural, and infrastructural attractions.