IL Postcard

Chiriquí Wants You: Big Changes for a Little Airport

Date: 02/25/2007

Soon you'll be able to travel between Panama City and David, in the province of Chiriquí, with greater convenience. This is good news if you live along the Chiriquí coast or in Boquete or any of the other highland towns near David. Panama's Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil (AAC), or Civil Aviation Authority, released renovation and extension plans for the Enrique Malek Airport in David, expected to span eight years.

In the first phase of the plan, the AAC plans to extend the runway ( see AAC aerial photo, above) to just over 7,380 feet, which will allow the accommodation of larger planes.

The renovation is expected to enhance David's appeal and attract greater investment in the region. For some time, there has been talk of creating an additional international air terminal in Panama…and it would make sense for it to be in David, the country's third-largest city, less than 30 miles from the border with Costa Rica. David is the gateway to Boquete and Volcan, two areas that have become increasingly popular with foreign retirees.

The David airport was classified as "international" years ago, when it began to receive flights from neighboring Costa Rica, but the renovation plan does not mean you will be able to fly directly here from the U.S. any time soon.

In addition to lengthening the runway, the AAC plans to extend the passenger terminal, install a new radio system, and build a perimeter fence and a fire station. We'll keep you apprised of the progress as the project begins.

Best Regards,

Brandon Clogston
International Living / Panama

P.S. If you're interested in the coast and highland areas near David, why not attend the upcoming Panama Real Estate Tour? Join us March 25-27 and stick around for an optional tour to Boquete March 28-29. Read all about it here. If you'll be in Panama prior to that, we encourage you to participate-or just spectate-at our first Thom Hickling Charity Golf Tournament on March 24.