Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. {NYSE: CPA}, and a member of the global Star Alliance airline network, announces the launch of its new service to and from San Diego, California, starting on June 25, 2025. This expansion reinforces the airline's goal of strengthening connectivity between Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States, establishing San Diego as Copa Airlines' third destination in California and its 17th U.S. route. The addition of San Diego to the airlines’ route network will not only enhance access to this key region in Southern California but also drive tourism and business growth between the regions.
"The launch of this new route strengthens our destination network and expands travel options for our passengers, reaffirming Copa’s commitment to efficiency, punctuality, and the high service standards that set us apart. With the addition of San Diego, we enhance connectivity between Southern California and Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, fostering tourism and commercial exchange across the continent. This new connection will allow more travelers to comfortably and reliably access one of the most dynamic cities in the United States while integrating them into Latin America's most extensive route network through the Hub of the Americas® in Panama," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.
San Diego, known as "America’s Finest City," is renowned for its cultural diversity, high quality of life, and vibrant culinary and music scene. Its beaches and theme parks make it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Among its top attractions are Coronado Beach, famous for its white sand and the historic Hotel del Coronado, and La Jolla Cove, a scenic bay surrounded by cliffs where sea lions can be spotted, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed. Additionally, the San Diego Zoo, recognized as one of the best in the world, and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, with its colonial architecture and diverse dining options, showcase the city's rich cultural and historical heritage.
“We are thrilled to welcome Copa Airlines to San Diego International Airport and celebrate this exciting new nonstop service to Panama City,” said Kimberly Becker, President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “This route will boost opportunities for business and leisure travel to Central and South America like never before. We look forward to a successful partnership with Copa.”
The Copa Airlines non-stop flight to and from San Diego to Panama City, Panama will operate with four (4) weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing from Tocumen International Airport at 1:16 p.m. (local time) and arriving at San Diego International Airport at 6:15 p.m. (local time). The return flight will operate on the same days, departing from San Diego at 8:58 p.m. (local time) and arriving in Panama City at 5:20 a.m. (local time).
With the addition of San Diego, Copa Airlines will offer direct connections to 86 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean, through its Hub of the Americas® in Panama City. The new route will provide passengers with a convenient and seamless connection to and from San Diego, facilitating easier and more efficient access to Southern California.
Travelers interested in this new service, or any other Copa Airlines destination can make reservations by visiting copa.com, sales offices, or customer service call centers.
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About Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, is a leading airline in passengers and cargo in Latin America. In its 76 years of operation, it has established the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City as the continent's premier connections center. With a very modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Copa Airlines serves countries in North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. The airline consistently achieves top on-time performance results on the continent and among the best in the world. Copa Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, the world's most relevant airline network, and offers the ConnectMiles frequent traveler program, allowing accumulation and redemption of miles across more than 25 airlines worldwide. To plan your trip, purchase tickets and manage reservations, use Web Check-in, and find information on travel policies and requirements, please visit www.copa.com.
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1’s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.