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Large container ship passing through the Panama Canal locks

Flights to Panama from the UK

Routes, airlines, flight times and the best months to fly in 2026, with tailor-made Panama holidays built around you.

There is no direct flight from the UK to Panama, so every trip to Panama City is a one-stop journey. The good routes are short and easy: Iberia or Air Europa via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris, or American, United and Delta through a US hub. Door to door you are looking at 14 to 17 hours, and the Madrid connection is usually the quickest.

Panama City is the gateway and most trips start there, in the old town of Casco Viejo with the Canal a short drive away. Boquete coffee country and the Caribbean islands need an internal flight or a long drive, so we book the international and internal flights together, time the arrival around the Canal transit days and hold the hotels early. Flights are included in every Panama holiday we sell, so the whole trip is ATOL protected.

How to fly to Panama from the UK

All routes arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), about 30 minutes from the centre of Panama City. As of 2026 the choices from London are:

  • Via Madrid with Iberia or Air Europa: the shortest overall journey, around 14 to 15 hours including the connection, daily.

  • Via Amsterdam with KLM: good from Manchester, Edinburgh and the regions as well as London, around 15 to 17 hours.

  • Via Paris with Air France: similar timings to Amsterdam.

  • Via the US with American (Miami), United (Houston or Newark) or Delta (Atlanta): longer, and you need a US ESTA even to transit.

For Boquete and the Chiriqui highlands, Copa flies from Tocumen to David (DAV) in about an hour. Air Panama flies to David and Bocas del Toro (BOC) from Albrook (PAC), a smaller airport on the other side of the city, so allow time to cross town. We pair the flights so you are not stranded by a late arrival.

How much do flights to Panama cost

As a 2026 guide, return economy fares from London to Panama City run roughly £600 to £800 in quieter months, £800 to £1,000 for most of the year and £1,000 to £1,400 or more over Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays. Add around £150 to £250 for a Panama City to David return. Our Panama holidays are priced with the flights in, so you see one figure.

When to fly to Panama

The dry season runs from mid-December to April, which is the best weather and the busiest time, with Carnival in February or March. The green season from May to November brings afternoon showers but mornings are usually clear, Panama City runs as normal and fares are lower. April, May, November and early December give the best mix of weather and price. One thing to plan around: outside the high season the Canal transit boats mostly sail at weekends, so if the transit is on your list we time the flights so you are in Panama City over a Saturday or Sunday.

Panama holidays with flights included

Every trip below is tailor-made and ATOL protected, with the international and internal flights arranged together:

Want something different? Tell us your dates and we will build it.

Travel Insurance for Panama

Before you go: UK passport holders can currently visit Panama for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days, but always check the UK government travel advice for Panama before you book. Panama uses the US dollar, so bring some with you. A travel eSIM sorts data on landing, and airport parking and lounges are worth booking ahead for an early Heathrow departure.

Frequently asked questions: flights to Panama

No. As of 2026 there is no non-stop flight between the UK and Panama. The fastest routes connect once, usually in Madrid with Iberia or Air Europa, or in Amsterdam or Paris with KLM or Air France.

Let us plan your Panama holiday

Our specialists sort the flights and connections, time the Canal transit, book the hop to Boquete or the islands and choose the hotels, so your ATOL-protected Panama holiday comes together as one trip.

Plan your Panama holiday
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