Star Alliance member Copa Airlines is set to launch its new non-stop service between Austin, Texas, and Panama City, Panama. The announcement comes as the Texas capital continues to emerge as an economic hotspot with one of the fastest-growing aviation footprints in the United States.

Copa Airlines to Launch Service to Austin (AUS) from Panama City (PTY)

Copa Airlines will launch a four-times-weekly service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City on July 6, 2023.

This new service will connect Austin to Copoa Airlines’ Panama City hub which it calls the Hub of the Americas where it flies to an extensive network of over 80 destinations in 32 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 and will depart Austin at 3:34 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, arriving at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 8:16 p.m. The return flight will depart Panama City at 9:18 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and will arrive in Austin at 2:04 p.m.

For passengers seeking a smooth and seamless travel experience to Latin America, Copa Airlines is an excellent choice. With the new flight, passengers can connect on Copa to over fifty-five destinations in Latin America.

As a member of the Star Alliance, passengers can earn and use miles with any of the 26 partner airlines, such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, or Air Canada on Copa Airlines. Plus, Star Alliance Gold elite members will receive benefits like priority boarding and airport lounge access.

Why Austin Airport (AUS)?

Austin has been enjoying a wave of growth and development, with carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines all aggressively growing schedules there. While Southwest is the largest carrier, Delta and American both run “focus city” operations in Austin.

It’s also served by several European carriers with KLM and Virgin Atlantic recently adding high-profile new routes to Austin adding to British Airways’ existing service.

Visitors can indulge in the city’s famous live music scene and diverse culinary offerings, explore the bustling city and then venture into nature-based experiences such as whale watching, scuba diving, surfing, and hiking up the highest point in the country – Baru Volcano National Park.

What They’re Saying

“We’re pleased to offer greater connectivity to our passengers and contribute to the growth of tourism and commerce in Panama and the countries we serve,” said Christophe Didier, Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution at Copa Airlines.

“This exciting announcement has been years in the making,” said Jacqueline Yaft, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “This route will provide economic and tourism benefits for generations to come. AUS is proud to bring more convenient options for connecting Central Texas to Central and South America.”

“We are thrilled that Copa Airlines has chosen AUS to begin service to Panama,” said Doug Driskill with Dell Technologies and Chair of the Austin Chamber Air Services Task Force. “This route has the added benefit of providing excellent connections to destinations throughout Central and South America. Opportunity Austin is proud to be a supporting partner in this effort, and we look forward to the economic development and leisure travel benefits that this route will provide for businesses and people in the Austin region. Copa’s announcement today continues the success story of our ever-expanding list of international connections, and we fully expect this route to be a huge win for both Copa and our community.”

Bottom line

Copa Airlines will launch a new nonstop service from Austin, Texas to Panama City, Panama, with flights scheduled four times a week. This new route is a major milestone for Copa as it connects Austin with the Hub of the Americas, allowing passengers to reach more than 55 destinations in Latin America. The new service will begin on July 6, 2023, and will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.