What was in the construction phase when I was last in Panama, is poised to now become the flagship terminal for air travel into Panama. Anxious to see what so much money went into, and then my mind wanders to those who profited greatly under Varela during it’s approval, planning, and construction. Panama is Panama. But I have to admit it does look like the country is trying to arrive.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/220215/preparan-apertura-terminal-2-aeropuerto-internacional-tocumen

The start date of operations of Terminal 2 of the Tocumen International Airport is evaluated for the first quarter of the year 2022, in coordination with all the authorities that operate in the main entry and exit gate of the country, informed executives of the airport company .

Although most of its facilities are suitable for use, safe and can be used, the general manager of the Tocumen International Airport, SA Raffoul Arab said that the opening of Terminal 2 is a “complex process”, which is not limited to open gates and boarding bridges. 

“The total opening of Terminal 2 includes the activation of integrated communication systems, equipment and personnel for passenger and baggage processing, immigration, customs, police and health protocols, aircraft services, commercial activity, public parking and land connections, among others,” explained Arab.

T2, a boost to economic recovery

On repeated occasions, Arab highlighted the urgent need to start producing the work that is being built with an investment of $917 million, for the country’s economic recovery and tourism. 

“Terminal 2 will be a new symbol of the country and a key complement in the economic and tourism reactivation strategy promoted by President Laurentino Cortizo and the Tourism Cabinet.”

T2 shows a modern, comfortable and renovated image of Panama in a building with an avant-garde design, of 116,000 square meters. Its expansion allows to increase the capacity of the aeronautical complex.

It has 20 boarding gates that, with other complementary projects, expands the capacity to process up to 20 million passengers per year. Construction began in 2013 and should have been delivered in 2017.