⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Tocumen International Airport

Tocumen, Panamá Province (Panama)
IATA: PTY ICAO: MPTO
Longest Active Runway
10,006 ft
3,050 meters
Field Elevation
135 ft
41 m MSL
Runway Inventory
2 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
9.0714°, -79.3835°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#551 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#915 of 7558
Top 12.1% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Panama)
#1 in PA
#1 of 19 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+0.1%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Tocumen International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,006 ft (3,050 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #551. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #915 worldwide (Top 12.1%) and #1 nationally in Panama.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Tocumen International Airport links North, Central, and South America through high-frequency passenger banks. Its parallel runways permit simultaneous visual operations, with 03R/21L providing 10,000 ft of paved surface for transcontinental flights. Positioned along the narrow Isthmus of Panama, PTY benefits from near sea-level air pressure, ensuring high turbine efficiency and maximum range capabilities for Boeing 737 MAX and widebody airliners.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Dual parallel runways: 03L/21R (8,800 ft / 2,682 m) and 03R/21L (10,000 ft / 3,050 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Inaugurated in 1947 by President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez; expanded in 1978 and transformed into Copa Airlines' 'Hub of the Americas'. In 2022, opened the vast Norman Foster-designed Terminal 2.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Primary Central American air connection node, operating alongside domestic secondary hub Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC, 12 NM west).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Operates under humid tropical lowlands at 135 ft elevation; seasonal convective thunderstorms during the May-November rainy season demand airborne holding fuel reserves and weather radar vigilance.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Panama National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4D / 4E Heavy Intercontinental
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Tocumen International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 135 ft (41 m MSL) in Tocumen. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Primary Central American air connection node, operating alongside domestic secondary hub Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC, 12 NM west). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,006 ft (3,050 m)

Tocumen International Airport's active flight strips comprise 03R/21L (10,006 ft), 03L/21R (8,800 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,006 ft (3,050 m), the primary runway accommodates transcontinental twin-engine widebodies and long-range narrowbody airliners at standard operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
03R/21L 10,006 ft (3050m) 148 ft (45m) Concrete (CON) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active
03L/21R 8,800 ft (2682m) 200 ft (61m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/pty.json ↗