Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, has announced its plans to launch services to Panama City, beginning February 1, 2016. The new service will be the longest non-stop flight in the world (17 hours 35 minutes in the Westbound direction) and will be Emirates’ first gateway destination in Central America.

Service to Panama City, Panama’s capital and largest city by population, will commence with a daily flight operated by a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft in a three-class layout - eight in First, 42 in Business and 216 in Economy. The aircraft can carry up to 15 tonnes of cargo. Key imports to the country include pharmaceuticals, machinery products, iron/steel rods and electronics. Service to Panama City will operate through Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Both a vibrant metropolis and gateway to tropical destinations, Panama City is also the economic and financial centre of the country with the major industries being international banking, commerce and tourism. Ideally located between North and South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama City has developed an unrivalled transportation and communication network. It operates two of the busiest ports in Latin America, including the Colon Free Trade Zone - the world’s second largest free trade zone. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of the Panama Canal has helped contribute to Panama’s economic growth in recent years.

“Panama City will be our first destination gateway in Central America, providing a convenient option for our passengers travelling from or through our global hub in Dubai and onward to destinations throughout Central America, the Caribbean and the northern part of South America,” said Emirates Airline & Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“We’re also pleased to be the only commercial airline to offer a daily, First Class service to travellers on what will be the world’s longest non-stop flight.”
“It is gratifying to see how diplomatic efforts focused on generating development and prosperity for Panama materialise,” said Republic of Panama Vice President Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado.

“New doors to the country will open with a direct connection to the Middle East - a strong and thriving region with great synergies to both Panama and Latin America.

This new direct flight between Dubai and Panama City will connect Latin America with the Middle East, Asia and Africa,” explained Republic of Panama Consul General in Dubai Eduardo Fonseca Ward.

“This link will generate a broader global network with countless commercial and cultural opportunities for the two regions. It has been a pleasure to work with the Emirates team, who have shared the vision of Panama and Dubai as hubs of trade, prosperity and hope.”

Later this year, Emirates will be adding four additional routes to its global network including Mashhad, Iran and Orlando in September; Bamako, Mali in October and Bologna in November.

Emirates flight EK251 will depart Dubai at 08:05 and arrive in Panama City at 16:40 daily. The return flight EK252 will leave Panama City at 22:10, arriving in Dubai at 22:55 the next day.

Tickets for travel to Panama City are now available to purchase via Emirates.com or your preferred travel agent.