Panama plays a strategic role in Central American aviation, linking North and South America through a narrow corridor that includes the Panama Canal and Panama City’s FIR (Flight Information Region). Aircraft flying over this region are required to obtain official authorization from Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Obtaining a Panama overflight permit typically requires submitting flight details, including aircraft registration, routing, insurance documents, and operator information. Applications are ideally submitted 48–72 hours before departure to avoid delays.
The airspace is tightly managed due to heavy commercial traffic and national security considerations. Operators who fail to comply may face rerouting or denied entry. That’s why understanding Panama’s requirements is key to smooth overflights.
For complete details and help with applying for permits, this guide on Panama overflight regulations provides reliable information.
Including Panama in multi-country flight plans is common, especially for private jets and cargo flights. For seamless coordination, many operators consult flight support providers with regional experience.