On Friday, June 23, 2024, Copa Airlines celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of its inaugural nonstop flight from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama, to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). This new route marks a historic moment for the Research Triangle region, providing its first direct connection to Latin America.
The excitement was palpable as travelers arrived at RDU, eagerly embracing this new gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, expressed the airport’s enthusiasm, stating, “RDU is thrilled to welcome Copa Airlines and the new gateway its Panama City service provides to Latin America and the Caribbean through the Hub of the Americas. The route opens up new possibilities for business and leisure travel from the Research Triangle region to Panama and points beyond.”
Each day, over 200 travelers pass through RDU en route to destinations in Central or South America. This new Panama City connection is a testament to the high demand from the business sector, academic institutions, and local communities. Copa Airlines’ extensive international network now grants travelers from the Triangle area seamless access to destinations across Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
David DeFossey, Regional Commercial Manager, North America for Copa Airlines, highlighted the significance of this new route, stating, “This new route to Raleigh-Durham strengthens our presence in the United States, allowing our passengers greater connectivity and access to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, the state’s hub of innovation and technology. Serving a new destination allows us to offer our passengers quick and convenient connections to an ever-growing network across the continent, increasing commercial exchange opportunities and tourism development in the region.”
RDU has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, expanding at a rate of 22 percent last year and securing the title of the fastest-growing Top 50 airport in the United States. The airport achieved record-breaking annual passenger traffic in 2023 and experienced its busiest single day and month in 2024. This new route is poised to further fuel RDU’s continued growth and success.
