What Airport Do You Fly Into for Santa Catalina, Panama?

2 days ago
2 min read

If you want to reach Santa Catalina, Panama by air, the closest direct landing point is Lago Bay Airstrip (ICAO identifier: MPLY). Located just 10 minutes to Santa Catalina's town center or a 10-15 minute shuttle to any hotel in Santa Catalina, Lago Bay Airstrip serves as the private aviation gateway for surfers heading to Santa Catalina's world-class wave breaks and divers bound for Coiba National Park.

Because there are no commercial scheduled airlines flying into Santa Catalina, understanding how the local airport setup works is essential for planning your trip.

a charter flight to Lago Bay Airstrip near Santa Catalina, Panama.

The Two Airway Steps: International vs. Domestic Gateway

Flying into Santa Catalina requires two steps: arriving in Panama City and taking a domestic charter or positioning flight to Lago Bay.

1. International Gateway: Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

All major international flights land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

2. Domestic Departure Point: Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC)

Most private charter flights bound for Santa Catalina depart from Albrook International Airport (PAC), located about 30–45 minutes across Panama City from Tocumen.

Flight Duration: 45 minutes from Panama City (PAC) to Lago Bay Airstrip (MPLY).
Alternative Drive Time: 6+ hours by rental car or shuttle bus.

Lago Bay Airstrip (MPLY) At a Glance

Feature	Details
Airport Name	Lago Bay Airstrip
ICAO Code	MPLY
Location	Lago Bay Property (10–15 mins from Santa Catalina town center)
Flight Time from PAC	~45 Minutes
Ground Transfer	Direct Lago Bay Shuttle transfer to Santa Catalina & Coiba boat launch.
Access Types	Private Charter Flights & Discounted Empty-Leg Positioning Flights

How Ground Transfers Work Upon Landing

When your flight touches down at Lago Bay Airstrip (MPLY), you skip the long, bumpy road trip.

A Lago Bay ground transfer picks you up directly at the runway. From there, it is a short 10-to-15-minute drive south into Santa Catalina to check into your accommodations, head to the surf break, or meet your tour boat for a Coiba Island day trip.

How to Book Flights to Lago Bay Airstrip

Travelers access Lago Bay Airstrip via two main air travel options:

Guaranteed Private Charters: Ideal for groups, surf trips with heavy board bags, or travelers keeping a strict itinerary. You select your exact departure time from Panama City.
Discounted Empty-Leg Seats: Ideal for flexible travelers or couples looking for lower rates when a charter aircraft needs to return or position at the airstrip.