Panama Aviation Permits

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Civil Aviation Authority

Name: AAC (Autoridad de Aeronautica Civil de Panama)
Website: https://www.aeronautica.gob.pa
Contact: AAC Panama City / Office hours: Mon-Thu 0730-1530 local (1200Z-2000Z); 24/7 duty officer available

Estimated Processing Time

Medium Landing: 2 days

Requirements by Operation Type

Private flights require advance customs notification. Generally straightforward.

Non-scheduled flights need AAC permit, 48 hours advance.

Bilateral agreements. PTY is a major hub with good availability.

Overflight Permit

Required: Yes
Authority: AAC Panama
Lead Time: 48 working hours (official); 24 hours often achievable; short-notice possible via duty officer
Validity: Per schedule
Fees: No CAA processing fees for overflight permit issuance

Remarks:

Required for all private non-revenue and charter operations. Include AFTN on flight plan. AAC office hours Mon-Thu 0730-1530 local, but 24/7 duty officer available for urgent processing. No CAA processing fees. Short-notice requests are often accommodated.

Application Process:

1. Submit overflight request to AAC at least 48 working hours before (24 hours often sufficient) 2. Provide: aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, insurance, flight plan 3. Include AFTN on flight plan 4. No CAA processing fees 5. AAC office hours: Mon-Thu 0730-1530 local (1200Z-2000Z) 6. 24/7 duty officer available for urgent/after-hours processing 7. Short-notice requests frequently accommodated

Landing Permit

Required: Yes
Authority: AAC Panama
Lead Time: 48 working hours (official); 24 hours often achievable
Validity: Per schedule
Fees: Standard landing/parking fees (no CAA processing fees)

Remarks:

Required for all operations (private non-revenue and charter). Quick processing with 24/7 duty officer availability. Provide airworthiness certificate, landing/overflight permit request copies, owner details, worldwide insurance policy. Include AFTN on flight plan.

Application Process:

1. Submit landing request to AAC at least 48 working hours before (24 hours often sufficient) 2. Provide: airworthiness certificate, registration, insurance, owner details, permit request copy 3. Include AFTN on flight plan 4. 24/7 duty officer available for quick processing 5. No CAA processing fees 6. Arrange handler at Tocumen (MPTO) or Panama Pacifico (MPPA) 7. Short-notice requests frequently accommodated

Cabotage

No (foreign aircraft may not transport passengers between Panamanian points)

General Remarks

24/7 duty officer available for permit processing (one of few CAAs in the region). No processing fees. Tocumen (MPTO) is the main international hub; Panama Pacifico (MPPA) growing for business aviation. Short-notice processing frequently accommodated.

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