Copa Airlines expands changes and refunds due to the earthquake in Panama and warns of more delays

Copa Airlines announced special measures for passengers affected by flight disruptions caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks in Panama. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun Copa Airlines announced the expansion of its change, credit, and refund policy for passengers affected by flight disruptions caused by the earthquake on Friday, October 9, in Panama. The measure comes as Tocumen International Airport continues to implement temporary suspensions of its operations whenever new aftershocks are felt. The airline reported on Saturday, October 10, that it is still facing prolonged delays, cancellations, and itinerary changes as a result of the preventive closures of the country's main airport. These disruptions have affected both travelers bound for Panama and those using the Hub of the Americas to connect to other countries. The new flexibility policy applies to tickets issued through October 9, 2026, and covers travel scheduled between October 9 and 14, on any route operated by Copa Airlines. Passengers will be able to modify their reservations without paying change fees or fare differences. Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspends takeoffs and landings when aftershocks are felt, while its teams verify safety conditions. (Courtesy: Panamá Prestige) According to the announced conditions, flights may be rescheduled for travel through October 31, 2026. These arrangements will be available through the company's customer service channels and travel agencies, with the aim of providing alternatives to those who were unable to complete their trips as planned. The company also established that passengers who decide not to travel may keep the value of their tickets as credit for future use. This option will be available during the validity of the ticket, with no change fees applied as long as the conditions of the extraordinary policy are met. Another measure allows passengers to request refunds for unused tickets, as well as for the portion corresponding to pending segments on partially used tickets. This option extends even to fares that normally do not allow refunds. Copa Airlines indicated that it continues to provide accommodation to affected passengers when appropriate and when availability exists. It is also arranging transfer options with other airlines when possible, while its teams work to progressively restore domestic and international itineraries. The administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, Gloria de León, reported on the impact on the tourism sector and the efforts to assist visitors affected by the air disruptions. Courtesy These measures come at a time when Panama City is registering high hotel occupancy, a circumstance that may make it difficult for travelers whose flights were rescheduled to find accommodation. The airline clarified that lodging assistance is subject to room availability. For its part, Tocumen International Airport explained that its operations continue, but takeoffs and landings are temporarily suspended when an aftershock is felt. This procedure allows runways, taxiways, aprons, and other facilities to be inspected before authorizing aircraft movements again. The airport administration specified that each new seismic movement felt requires the safety checks to be repeated, which can cause additional delays and schedule changes. Technical teams maintain these inspections in coordination with the airlines to ensure the continuity of operations under safe conditions. The impact has also reached the tourism sector. The administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), Gloria de León, reported that the air disruptions caused diversions, rescheduling, and difficulties for visitors, especially among Copa Airlines passengers who use Tocumen as a connection point. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake that shook Panama on October 9 caused damage to 426 homes, 419 schools, 21 health facilities, and nine bridges, mainly in the Azuero provinces and other areas of the country's interior. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) De León explained that tourism authorities are coordinating accommodation alternatives for visitors who were stranded due to the disruptions. She also noted that initial assessments had not identified structural damage in the capital's main hotels, although inspections were continuing at establishments in other regions. Among the establishments mentioned during the official report were the Dos Continentes hotel in Coclé; Mykonos in Santiago; and lodging facilities in Playa Venao and El Sitio in Pedasí. Authorities are maintaining evaluations to determine the extent of the damage and the safety conditions of tourism facilities. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake had its epicenter 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosí, on the Azuero peninsula, and caused damage to homes, schools, hospitals, churches, and roads. The official report released on Saturday counted 27 people injured and no fatalities reported. While recovery efforts continue, Copa Airlines recommended that passengers check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. This can be done through its website or mobile app, as new delays and itinerary adjustments may occur as seismic activity continues.