Earthquake and Aftershocks in Panama Disrupt Airport Operations

Air traffic in Panama was severely disrupted following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on October 9. The earthquake and subsequent strong aftershocks prompted several precautionary evacuations at the airport throughout the day, while flight operations were temporarily suspended. Aftershocks measuring 6.6, 5.0, 4.9, and 4.7 were also recorded following the main earthquake.

Footage shared from the area showed passengers being evacuated from the terminal following the earthquake. According to local reports, the airport was evacuated three times during the day. After a closure lasting approximately six hours, some aircraft were permitted to land. However, significant disruptions to air traffic reportedly continued.

Following these developments, Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) announced in an official statement on October 9 that regional air traffic management and emergency support protocols had been activated in response to the earthquake in Panama.

Colombia designated seven airports as alternatives to accommodate international flights that could be diverted due to temporary disruptions and congestion affecting Panama’s airspace and aviation infrastructure. San Andrés, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Cali, Rionegro, and Montería airports were prepared to receive diverted flights.

Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority stated that diverted flights were being managed safely through coordination between air traffic controllers and airport personnel. The authority also announced that it would maintain continuous communication with Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority and the relevant airlines, while efforts continued to gradually restore normal flight schedules.