Colombia’s Wingo to Fly Bogotá–Río Hato Beach Route in 2026
Colombia · Travel
Key Facts
—Operator Wingo, the Colombian low-cost subsidiary of Copa Holdings, in partnership with On Vacation and PROMTUR Panamá.
—Start Date October 5, 2026, coinciding with Colombian school break and year-end high season.
—Frequency 38 charter flights planned, with the potential to evolve into a permanent scheduled route if demand is strong.
—Destination Airport Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH) in Río Hato, serving Panama’s Pacific Riviera beach-and-resort corridor.
—Strategic Goal To channel Colombian tourists directly to Panama’s Pacific coast resorts, bypassing the Tocumen International Airport hub in Panama City.
A new Bogotá Rio Hato route is set to launch on October 5, 2026, as Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo introduces direct charter flights to Panama’s Pacific coast. The service, developed in partnership with tour operator On Vacation and Panama’s tourism authorities, will bypass the capital to deliver vacationers straight to the beach-and-resort corridor known as the Riviera Pacífica.
Bogotá Rio Hato route: A Charter-Driven Tourism Bridge
The operation is structured as a series of 38 charter flights, not a year-round scheduled service, according to statements from Wingo’s CEO. The flights are timed specifically for Colombia’s high-demand travel periods during school breaks and the end-of-year holidays.
Panama’s Tourism Authority and PROMTUR Panamá, the country’s destination marketing organization, are backing the initiative. Their goal is to decentralize international arrivals away from the congested Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and develop regional airports like Scarlett Martínez as standalone tourism gateways.
The flights will operate on nighttime schedules, maximizing vacation time for travelers. Wingo has indicated that if passenger demand proves strong, the charter operation could evolve into a confirmed, permanent regular route in the future.
Scarlett Martínez: Panama’s Pacific Gateway
The Scarlett Martínez International Airport (IATA code: RIH) is located in Río Hato, roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Panama City. It directly serves the Riviera Pacífica, a stretch of coastline known for all-inclusive resorts, golf courses, and beaches like Playa Blanca and Santa Clara.
For foreign residents and investors familiar with Panama, the airport has historically been underutilized for international traffic, handling mostly seasonal charters from Canada and Europe. A direct link from Bogotá represents a significant step in activating its potential as a hub for intra-Latin American tourism.
By landing at RIH, Colombian travelers avoid a roughly two-hour road transfer from Tocumen International Airport. This convenience is a core selling point for vacation package buyers looking for smooth beach access.
The Commercial Architecture
The flights are being sold primarily through On Vacation, a tour operator specializing in bundled travel packages. This model reduces risk for Wingo by guaranteeing a baseline of seats sold before each flight departs, a common strategy for testing new leisure routes.
Package pricing has not been formally disclosed, but industry reports suggest the bundled cost will be competitive with existing Colombian Caribbean beach destinations. A typical flight from Bogotá to Panama City on Wingo currently ranges from US$80 to US$150 one-way, providing a rough benchmark for the base fare component.
Panama’s tourism sector is betting that Colombian travelers, who represent one of the largest source markets for regional tourism, will be drawn to the Riviera Pacífica’s all-inclusive model. The country welcomed approximately 1.8 million visitors in 2025, with Colombians making up a significant share of land and air arrivals.
Wingo’s Expanding Regional Footprint
Wingo is the low-cost subsidiary of Copa Holdings, the Panama-based parent of Copa Airlines. The carrier operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft and has built its network around point-to-point routes connecting secondary cities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
This new Bogotá-Río Hato charter aligns with Wingo’s strategy of opening underserved corridors. The airline already connects Bogotá with Panama City, but this marks its first foray into Panama’s interior, testing appetite for a direct leisure product.
For Colombia, the route adds to a growing list of new international air links in 2026. ProColombia, the government’s trade and tourism promotion agency, has been actively courting carriers to expand direct connectivity from cities beyond Bogotá, though this particular service remains focused on the capital’s El Dorado International Airport.
What Travelers and Investors Should Watch
The charter’s performance over the October-December window will be closely monitored by aviation analysts. A high load factor could accelerate Wingo’s decision to convert the Bogotá-Río Hato link into a regular scheduled route, potentially with year-round frequency.
For expats and property investors based in Panama’s Pacific beach communities, a permanent route would enhance accessibility and could support real estate values in the Coronado-to-Río Hato corridor. Currently, reaching this area from Colombia typically requires a connection through Panama City.
Travelers should note that as a charter operation, seats may only be available as part of a vacation package through On Vacation, rather than as standalone tickets on Wingo’s website. Interested parties should check directly with the tour operator for booking windows and availability.
More: Panama news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bogotá-Río Hato route a permanent scheduled flight?
No. The service launching on October 5, 2026, is a series of 38 charter flights operated by Wingo in partnership with On Vacation. Wingo has stated it could evolve into a regular route if demand is strong, but it is not yet a confirmed permanent service.
How can I book a ticket on the new Bogotá-Río Hato flight?
Seats are being sold as part of vacation packages through the tour operator On Vacation. Standalone tickets may not be available on Wingo’s website during the charter phase.
Contact On Vacation directly for package details and reservations.
Why is Panama launching flights to Río Hato instead of Panama City?
Panama’s tourism authority and PROMTUR Panamá want to develop regional airports as direct entry points for tourists. Flying straight to Scarlett Martínez International Airport allows travelers to reach Pacific coast resorts immediately, bypassing the need to transit through Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Wingo's CEO; Panama's Tourism Authority; PROMTUR Panamá.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
Read More from The Rio Times