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Copa Airlines Marks a Decade of Nonstop Flights to Tampa

The Star Alliance member is celebrating 10 years of nonstop services to Tampa from Panama City

by Enrique Perrella

December 21, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Tampa International Airport

Copa Airlines is celebrating its tenth anniversary of operating nonstop flights between Tampa and Panama.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) was added to Copa’s network on December 17, 2013, making it the ninth destination in the U.S. to benefit from this service. Since then, Copa has carried out over 4,000 flights, providing half a million roundtrip seats between Tampa and Panama City.

Photo: Courtesy of Tampa International Airport

Currently, the airline operates six weekly flights from Tampa, connecting the two cities with its extensive network that covers Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to its Hub of the Americas in Panama City.

Over the past decade, Copa has facilitated the travel of more than 400,000 passengers through Tampa International Airport, with six weekly flights. As the peak travel season looms, Copa will increase its flight frequency to seven weekly flights before adjusting to six weekly flights in February.

Copa’s North American presence continues to grow, with the addition of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to its network in July, marking its 15th destination in the country from its hub in Panama City.

The Panamanian carrier’s network in the U.S. includes Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Tampa, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Commitment to Tampa

David DeFossey, Regional Commercial Manager – North America at Copa Airlines, expressed the airline’s commitment to forging meaningful connections for thousands of passengers. “We unite families, friends, and travelers with their favorite destinations,” he said. “As we gaze back at the past ten years, Copa Airlines remains devoted to fostering the economic and tourism development of the City of Tampa.”

Photo: Courtesy of Tampa International Airport

Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport, hailed the airline’s growth and enduring presence. “We’re thrilled to see Copa not only remain a part of the TPA family but thrive and expand service over the past decade. We look forward to many more years of working and growing together.”

Tampa, the ninth U.S. destination for Copa, stood at the crossroads of history, culture, and exceptional charm when the airline commenced its operations. With over 175,000 residents from across Latin America calling Tampa Bay home, Copa strategically positioned itself to serve this growing population.

Copa connects over 81 cities in 32 countries across North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. The airline is known for operating one of the world’s most punctual operations, and it was recently recognized as the most on-time airline in Latin America by the OAG Punctuality League.