On May 16, 2025, an Air Panama Fokker 50 aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport. All 35 passengers and three crew members aboard the flight escaped unharmed.
Aircraft Incident at Bocas del Toro Airport
The aircraft, registered as HP-1899PST, was completing a scheduled flight from Panama City’s Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport to Bocas del Toro. The incident occurred at approximately 9:01 p.m. local time.
Upon landing, the plane veered off the runway, sustaining significant damage. Despite the severity of the incident, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.
The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the runway excursion. Preliminary reports suggest that weather conditions at the time may have been a contributing factor, but a comprehensive analysis is underway to ascertain all possible causes.
Historical Context and Safety Record
Air Panama has experienced similar incidents in the past. Notably, in June 2006, a Jetstream 31 aircraft skidded off the runway at the same airport during heavy rain. In that incident, all 18 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was deemed a total loss.
The recurrence of such events underscores the challenges posed by the airport’s infrastructure and weather conditions, prompting discussions on potential safety enhancements.
The Fokker 50 involved in the recent incident was manufactured in 1994 and is part of Air Panama’s fleet of regional aircraft. The airline has been operating in Panama since 1980, providing essential connectivity across the country. The safety and well-being of passengers remain a top priority, and the airline is cooperating fully with the investigation.
