October 10, 2026 — A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama’s Azuero Peninsula at 12:56 pm local time on Friday, October 9, forcing Tocumen International Airport (PTY), the Copa Airlines hub, to halt all flights for a few hours. The airport reopened Friday afternoon after inspections found no damage. No deaths have been reported.
What happened
- The quake. The US Geological Survey measured magnitude 7.7, centered near Pitaloza Arriba on the Azuero Peninsula, followed by aftershocks of magnitude 5.8 and 6.6 the same afternoon. Panama’s Instituto de Geociencias gave a lower preliminary figure of 7.0, later 7.2. Local reports count more than 100 aftershocks.
- Tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of possible waves on Panama’s Pacific coast. The threat has ended, according to The Watchers and the Tico Times.
- Casualties. Panama’s civil protection agency, Sinaproc, gave a preliminary count on Saturday morning of no deaths, 27 minor injuries and about 300 people evacuated.
- Damage. More than 400 buildings are affected, including seven hotels, and nine bridges are damaged. Five communities in Los Santos province were cut off. The hardest-hit provinces are Coclé, Los Santos and Herrera. Power went out in parts of six provinces.
Flights and transport
- Tocumen (PTY). Terminals were evacuated and both runways closed while crews inspected the pavement and tower. Operations resumed Friday afternoon; the exact time was not published. Panama’s civil aviation authority named 10 diverted Copa flights, sent to Cartagena, Barranquilla and other airports. Local media reported delays of four to six hours.
- Copa waiver. As reported by Aviacionline and others, Copa is allowing free changes for tickets issued on or before October 9 for travel on October 9 and 10, with new travel through October 31. We could not open Copa’s own alert page to confirm the terms.
- Panama Metro. Lines 1 and 2 were suspended for inspection and were still closed late Friday. Saturday restart: TBA.
- Panama Canal. Operating normally.
- US Embassy. A “Natural Disaster Alert: Panama Earthquake Update 1” dated October 10 appears on the embassy site. We could not open the page.
What it means for airline travelers
- Connecting through PTY this weekend: the airport is open, but aircraft and crews are out of position after Friday’s diversions. Expect delays and tight loads as Copa rebooks displaced passengers. Standby travelers should list for the earliest flight and leave long connections.
- Staying in Panama City: check with your hotel before you arrive and expect aftershocks. If the Metro is still shut, use taxis or ride-hailing.
- Avoid road trips to the Azuero Peninsula and Coclé (including Playa Venao and Penonomé) until bridges and roads are inspected.
- In an aftershock: drop, cover and hold on, then move away from damaged buildings. Follow Sinaproc instructions.
- Enroll in STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad, and keep receipts if you are delayed.
Sources
- US Geological Survey, earthquake feed and event page
- Xinhua, “Explainer: How is Panama faring after a powerful earthquake, aftershocks?”
- El País (Colombia), “Panamá presenta primeras cifras: 27 heridos, unos 300 evacuados”
- Aviacionline, “Copa Airlines resumes flights at Tocumen and prioritizes the return of diverted aircraft”
- Aviacionline, “Earthquake in Panama affected flights at Tocumen Airport”
- Tico Times, “Flying to Panama Today? Expect Delays After the 7.7 Quake Closed Tocumen”
- La Prensa (Panama), “Fuerte temblor sacude a Panamá”
- La Prensa (Panama), Metro de Panamá inspection and suspension
- The Watchers, “Major M7.7 earthquake hits Panama”
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