Soon we will have a brand new terminal that will be four times bigger here in our International Airport  in David.  So far the $27 million airport expansion is progressing well and all the work will be finished next year. That will coincide with a $170 million roadway expansion program that includes our four lane highway from David to Boquete.   One day soon you will wake up, drive  from Boquete to David in 30 minutes, board a plane and be in Miami or Houston by noon!!!

Air Panama operates here and soon, Copa will join them in the new terminal.

Copa preparing to begin flights to David Panama

David Enrique Malek Airport received equipment for flight operations sent by COPA airlines to handle larger jet aircraft.

Stay tuned for more news.

Here is the latest from DAVDirect on the airport progress.

• Main Runway Refurbishment: The 95,000 m2 refurbishment is 100% complete on the 6,890ft (2,100m) main runway.
• Main Runway Extension: The 500m extension of the main runway is underway and 60% complete. The extension will make this runway 8,530ft (2,600m).
• Auxiliary Runway Overhaul: The overhaul of the 37,000 m2 auxiliary runway is 100% complete.

These runway upgrades make larger international jets able to operate into and out of the airport. They allow for heavy 737 traffic, and even frequent 757 traffic. A Fokker 70 (HP-1732) is in use by Air Panama now, and a second Fokker 70 is planned to begin service soon. Further, the upgrades will increase safety margins, allow more inclement weather operations, and better night time operations.

I cannot wait to see this on a permanent basis on the tarmac in Malek!!

Recent Copa air bridge from Tocumen to David shot in February.