Enrique Malek International Airport

Enrique Malek International Airport sits on the western edge of David, Panama's third-largest city, serving as the primary air gateway for the Chiriquí Province. The single-terminal facility handles domestic flights from Panama City and limited international routes, including connections to San José, Costa Rica. With a compact layout and straightforward operations, the airport provides an efficient entry point for travelers heading to the Pacific beaches, highland coffee plantations, and national parks that define this region of Panama.

Getting There

David's airport is located approximately 5 kilometers south of the city center, a drive that takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or car. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal and from downtown David; the standard fare is around $5 to $7, though it is wise to confirm the price before departing. For those driving, the airport is accessible via the Pan-American Highway (Route 2) and the David-Las Lajas road, with clear signage leading to the terminal. Public buses from David's main bus terminal serve the airport indirectly; passengers may need to take a bus to the nearby community of Chiriquí and then walk or take a short taxi ride. Rideshare services such as Uber are not common in David, so arranging a taxi or rental car in advance is recommended. The airport's parking lot offers free short-term parking and a modest fee for long-term stays, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours. For travelers coming from Boquete or other highland towns, the journey to the airport takes about 45 minutes by car, winding down from the mountains through lush farmland.

Inside the Terminal

Entering the terminal, passengers find a single open room that handles both departures and arrivals. Check-in counters are to the left, with airline staff for Copa Airlines and Air Panama—the two main carriers. Security screening is compact and efficient, usually taking less than 15 minutes during most hours, though Monday mornings at 8 a.m. see the longest queues as business travelers head to the capital. The waiting area offers a handful of hard plastic chairs, a small café selling coffee and pastries, and a duty-free shop stocking local rum, coffee, and souvenirs. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms are available; the accessible toilet includes grab bars and space for maneuverability. A changing table in the family restroom accommodates parents traveling with infants. Baggage storage lockers are located near the entrance, useful for day trips or layovers. The terminal lacks air conditioning in some sections, so lightweight clothing and a handheld fan can make the wait more comfortable. Departures board displays flights on a single screen; gate assignments are announced overhead and rarely change. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed, with staff who speak Spanish and basic English, and passengers often chat while waiting for their flights.

Enrique Malek International Airport and David

David is the economic and cultural heart of Chiriquí Province, a region that produces much of Panama's coffee, bananas, and beef. The city itself, founded in 1738, maintains a slow-paced provincial character with a central plaza, cathedral, and market where vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. What draws most travelers to David, however, is its strategic location between the Pacific coast and the highlands of Boquete. To the north, the Boquete valley offers cloud-forest hiking, coffee tours at plantations like Finca Dos Jefes, and the dormant Barú Volcano, whose summit provides views of both the Pacific and Caribbean on clear days. To the south, the beaches of Las Lajas and the Golfo de Chiriquí National Marine Park offer surfing, snorkeling, and Isla Parida's white sand. The airport's name honors Enrique Malek, a Panamanian aviator, and its compact size reflects the region's role as a secondary hub—less frantic than Panama City's Tocumen but essential for connecting remote communities and agricultural exports. For many visitors, David serves as a base for exploring Chiriquí's diverse landscapes, from lowland mangrove forests to cloud forests over 1,500 meters high. History buffs can visit the Museum of Chiriquí in the city center, and food enthusiasts sample typical dishes like sancocho (chicken soup) and tamales de maíz nuevo at local sodas. The city's proximity to the Costa Rican border adds a cross-border element; travelers often transit through David en route to Puerto Jiménez or the Osa Peninsula. Efficient and unpretentious, David offers a genuine slice of provincial Panamanian life, where the airport is just the first step into a region that rewards those who linger.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., though hours may vary with flight schedules; it closes overnight and does not operate 24/7. The busiest times are Monday at 8 a.m. for departures to Panama City and Thursday at 5 p.m. for returning travelers. Arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international departures is advisable, especially during peak hours. For phone inquiries, dial +507 777-5625; staff generally speak Spanish, and English assistance is limited. No official website is available, but flight information can be checked through Copa Airlines or Air Panama. Travelers should bring cash for taxis and snacks, as the café does not always accept cards. One concrete piece of advice: if you have a layover or a delayed flight, walk to the nearby roadside shop for fresh fruit and cold drinks—the terminal's amenities are sparse, and the market offers a better variety at lower prices.