Copa Airlines plans to raise capacity by 14% in 2026, expand its fleet and routes, and create more than 2,100 direct jobs in Panama over four years. The carrier also expects to carry 20.9 million passengers next year and operate 500 daily flights by 2029.
Mobile casinos are reshaping Panama’s betting market and putting new attention on digital infrastructure, regulation, and tech-driven job creation. The trend also highlights how online entertainment is becoming part of the country’s broader economic transition.
Panama’s MEF clarified how the June CEPANIM payment works and whether not withdrawing a CEPADEM affects eligibility. Beneficiaries are being told to check the official list to confirm if they can collect.
Panama’s economy grew 4.4% in 2025, with GDP reaching B/.84.75 billion. Transportation and logistics led the expansion, accounting for 40% of growth.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama is not looking to confront China over vessels held there, but will not let the situation drag on. He linked the issue to maritime security reviews and broader impacts on global shipping.
Environmental groups in Panama are warning that Bill 571 could weaken protections for coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves after passing first debate in the National Assembly. Supporters say the measure updates marine law, while critics call it a dangerous rollback.
Panama’s Health Ministry is urging the public to remove mosquito breeding sites as dengue cases rise, with six deaths reported so far this year. Standing water remains the main driver of the outbreak.
Bocas del Toro became the first semifinalist in the 2026 Campeonato Nacional de Béisbol Mayor after a 10-0 sweep of Coclé. Chiriquí and Darién tied their series, while Colón took a 2-1 lead over Herrera.
Felipe Chapman said Panama’s Finance Ministry is willing to review Convivienda’s technical case against extending the 2% transfer tax to new homes. The housing sector warns the change could slow mortgages, cut construction activity, and reduce overall tax revenue.
Panama is reviewing the Americas Bridge after this week’s fire while also assessing whether to remove fuel tanks and rethink valuable Canal-side land use. The moves could affect safety, infrastructure planning, and long-term development near the Canal.
Panama’s Commission on Municipal Affairs approved in first debate a bill to reform decentralization, following an updated technical analysis from the MEF. The proposal now moves deeper into the legislative process.
Panama is moving ahead with a new approach to the Margarita port project after canceling its concession. The revised path could allow the terminal to advance before the current bidding process ends.
The Panama Canal remains a cornerstone of Panama’s economy and a critical route in global trade. Its strategic location and shipping efficiency continue to make it one of the country’s most valuable assets.
President José Raúl Mulino highlighted Panama’s economic, tourism and logistics growth, while emphasizing transparency and job creation. His remarks placed clean governance at the center of the country’s development message.
A proposed pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the Panama Canal remains under consideration, keeping alive an unusual plan to let people cross the trade route on foot or by bike. The project would add a new mobility link beneath one of Panama’s most important landmarks.
The Panama Canal has signed a new collective agreement with deck captains and officers that includes annual salary increases through 2033. The deal also adds new rest rules and compensation changes aimed at improving safety and stability.
President José Raúl Mulino said no decision has been made on the future of the tanks beneath the Bridge of the Americas. The site remains an important infrastructure and planning issue in Panama City.
Panama’s CSS filed criminal complaints after detecting alleged pension simulations used to divert payroll money. The institution also imposed disciplinary measures on those involved.
Ángela Russo was elected Panama’s new ombudsman with 37 votes in the National Assembly. The appointment places her at the head of the office charged with defending citizens’ rights.
Ángela Russo won Panama’s Defensor del Pueblo vote after deputies revived the full candidate list and overrode the committee’s original shortlist. The result sparked criticism over institutional independence and exposed shifting legislative alliances.