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Copa Airlines is expanding its horizons by announcing three new destinations to its extensive network. Starting in 2024, passengers can fly directly to Tulum in Mexico, Florianópolis in Brazil, and Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, USA, from Copa’s Panama hub. This expansion will increase the airline’s reach to 85 destinations across 32 American countries. This builds on their 2023 plans.
Pedro Heilbron, Copa Airlines CEO, said: “We remain committed to our purpose of shortening distances and facilitating connections, allowing Panama to continue being the bridge that unites thousands of people throughout the continent while contributing to the economic development of the communities where we operate.”
“This strategic expansion not only promotes the cultural exchange of the region but also encourages and deepens tourism and business in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. It also opens the opportunity for more tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama thanks to the Panama Stopover program,” he concluded.
The Raleigh-Durham flights will commence on June 15, 2024, adding to Copa Airlines’ strong presence in the United States. This route, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will connect passengers to North Carolina’s “Research Triangle,” renowned for its research parks and higher education institutions.
Raleigh-Durham will become the airline’s 16th destination in the continental United States, joining cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Copa Airlines currently offers 223 weekly flights to the United States, with 36,048 seats available in each direction.
On June 25, 2024, Copa Airlines will begin operations in Florianópolis, known as the “Island of Magic” for its stunning beaches, rich Azorean culture, and diverse natural landscapes. This will be the airline’s seventh Brazilian destination, with three weekly flights providing direct connectivity to Santa Catarina state.
The same day marks the start of flights to Tulum, a new addition to the Mexican Caribbean’s vibrant destinations. Known for its archaeological sites, ecotourism parks, and beautiful beaches, Tulum is set to attract tourists seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Copa Airlines will offer four weekly flights to this destination, further enhancing its network in Mexico to five cities, including Cancun and Mexico City.
All three airports aimed to add international flights as a part of their expansion strategy: in Tulum’s case, the Mexican government is pushing hard to attract operators to the new airport that serves the Quintana Roo area as an alternative to Cancun International.
RDU added 40+ routes in 2023 and will incorporate Lufthansa flights to Frankfurt in the upcoming summer. As part of its ambitious Vision 2040 plan, the airport is growing steadily.
Florianopolis has renewed its installations, and the airport operator has set its sights on getting new flights. Recently, JetSMART opened a route from Buenos Aires, and seasonal demand has responded greatly.
