Copa Airlines has announced an expansion of its Manta-Panama route, which will transition to daily flights in March, June, and July 2026 to meet growing demand from travelers in the Manabí region of Ecuador. This change is set to significantly improve air connectivity, allowing travelers from Manta access to over 85 international destinations without the necessity of first traveling to Quito or Guayaquil.

Currently, the Manta-Panama route operates four times a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The decision to increase the frequency of flights comes in response to a consistent rise in demand from passengers, highlighting the importance of this route in enhancing local tourism and economic opportunities. From March 2, Copa Airlines will also temporarily add extra flights from August to September 2025.

This initiative is anticipated to deliver more than 14,000 additional seats for travelers through the International Eloy Alfaro Airport, connecting it with the Hub of the Americas in Panama, which serves as the airline's main connection hub. The enhancement of air travel for residents of Manabí signifies a commitment by Copa Airlines to foster regional tourism and provide better accessibility for international travel, ultimately benefitting the local economy and enhancing the travel experience for the community.