TULUM, Mexico – Copa Airlines has announced the launch of a new flight route from Panama to Tulum, aiming to strengthen connectivity and foster cultural exchanges and business opportunities between the regions. This announcement comes alongside the news that Wingo, a low-cost subsidiary of Copa, is set to enhance its operations with new routes from Bogotá and Medellín to Cancún, consolidating its position in the Mexican travel market.
Starting June 26, Copa Airlines will inaugurate its service from the Hub of the Americas in Panama to Tulum, marking the airline’s sixth destination in Mexico. “Our goal is to shorten distances and facilitate connections for our passengers, allowing Panama to continue being the bridge that connects thousands across the continent,” explained Christian Rodríguez, general manager for Mercosur at Copa Airlines. This strategic expansion is not only expected to promote cultural exchanges but also to deepen tourism and business interactions with Mexico.
In parallel, Wingo is preparing to offer 9,000 seats annually on the routes connecting Bogotá and Medellín with Cancún. These routes, previously seasonal, will now become a regular part of Wingo’s offerings. The airline plans to operate three weekly flights on each route starting in June. “At Wingo, we recognize the significant momentum in the international passenger market, which is growing faster than domestic due to increased movement of Colombians abroad and a rise in foreign tourists visiting our country,” stated Jorge Jiménez, Vice President of Commercial and Planning at Wingo. He further highlighted Wingo’s commitment to surpassing the national target of 6 million visitors, by enhancing capacity in key tourist-generating countries for Colombia.
Moreover, Wingo is looking to expand its network beyond Mexico and Colombia. Eduardo Lombana, CEO of Wingo, recently revealed plans to enhance connectivity to Venezuela, specifically to Maracaibo and Valencia. “We acknowledge the ongoing need for direct air connectivity from other Colombian cities to Venezuela. In collaboration with the aviation authorities of both countries, we are advancing in obtaining the necessary permits to continue providing quality service,” Lombana told The Tulum Times. These efforts reflect Wingo’s ambition to serve these Venezuelan cities, recognizing their potential as significant destinations.
This expansion by Copa and Wingo comes at a time when Latin American airlines are aggressively exploring new markets and enhancing their operational efficiencies. By increasing their presence in Mexico, these airlines are not only looking to meet the growing demand for travel but also to play a pivotal role in the tourism and business sectors, which are crucial for the regional economy.
