Copa Airlines Adds San Diego as Its 17th U.S. Destination

Copa Airlines is, once again, enhancing its footprint in the U.S. with the launch of a new route to San Diego, California, set to launch operations on June 25, 2025.

This new service to San Diego represents Copa’s third destination in the sunny state of California and marks a noteworthy milestone as its 17th gateway in the U.S. market. By doing so, Copa continues to solidify its position as a vital bridge connecting the rich cultures and markets of Latin America with North America, boosted by the connectivity that its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines, provides at some of its gateways in the U.S.

Copa’s Relentless Growth

The introduction of this route to Southern California will provide travelers with increased options and convenience, linking seamlessly to Copa’s extensive and far-reaching network that spans across Central and South America and the Caribbean islands.

“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,” said Copa’s CEO Pedro Heilbron.

Photo: San Diego, California. Courtesy of Daniel Guerra / Unsplash

San Diego, known for its cultural diversity and economic vitality, is expected to benefit from the new connection, facilitating business and tourism between the regions.

The Panamanian flag carrier will become the 19th airline operating at the airport and, thanks to its prolific connectivity from South America, is expected to increase traffic and become a key player in the region.

Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This route will boost opportunities for business and leisure travel to Central and South America like never before.”

According to the airline, the new route to Southern California will be operated with its Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which offers customers traveling in Business Class, Copa’s take on a full-flat bed service. The flight schedule, as noted by the airline, is as follows:

The recent addition of San Diego to Copa’s network bolsters the airline’s footprint in the country, showcasing its commitment to expanding connectivity between Central America and key U.S. destinations. Last year, Copa successfully launched direct flights to Raleigh-Durham, establishing a vital link between Panama City and this rapidly growing tech hub on the East Coast.

The airline has also introduced routes to Baltimore and Austin, both of which have been met with exceptional demand and positive performance, reflecting the increasing need for reliable air travel options in these vibrant markets.

Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund

In California, Copa has already solidified its presence with daily services to San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX). By continuing to expand its route offerings, the airline is not only enhancing its operational network but also contributing to the growing economic ties between the Americas.

25 Years of Service in Orlando

In addition to expanding its U.S. network, Copa recently celebrated a major milestone—25 years of continuous service at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Since launching flights to Orlando in 2000, Copa has steadily increased its presence, now operating 38 weekly flights connecting Central Florida to its Hub of the Americas in Panama City.

Photo: Terminal C. Courtesy of Orlando International Airport

David DeFossey, the airline’s Regional Commercial Manager, reflected on the significance of this anniversary, stating, “For nearly three decades, Copa Airlines has been a vital connection between Orlando and Latin America, fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and providing world-class service and unforgettable travel experiences,” he said.

Orlando, a global tourism hub, benefits from Copa’s extensive network, which links travelers to 85 destinations in 32 countries. Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, praised Copa’s contributions to the region: “This significant milestone reflects Copa’s vital role in connecting Orlando to Latin America and the Caribbean.”

A Decade of Leadership in On-Time Performance

Copa has further reinforced its reputation with an unparalleled achievement in operational reliability. For the tenth consecutive year, Copa has been named the most punctual airline in Latin America by Cirium, a global leader in aviation analytics.

With an impressive on-time arrival rate of 88.22percent for 2024 and a flight completion rate of 98.73 percent, Copa continues to set the benchmark for reliability in the region.

Photo: Courtesy of Copa Airlines

Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium, commended Copa’s operational consistency, stating, “Achieving this level of consistency in an industry where so much is beyond our control is no small feat—it speaks to a well-run airline where every team member plays a role in delivering reliability day in and day out.”

This impressive milestone showcases Copa’s dedication to efficiency and customer satisfaction. Lydia Webb, Cirium’s Marketing Director for the Americas, noted, “Copa Airlines can now boast of a decade of continuous leadership and excellence in On-Time Performance in the region.”

With its expansion into San Diego, a strong presence in Orlando, and a decade of excellence in punctuality, Copa continues to reinforce its role as a leading carrier in the Americas. By prioritizing connectivity, efficiency, and service, the airline remains a critical link between the United States and Latin America, facilitating seamless travel and economic exchange across the region.