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HAV → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from José Martí International Airport (Havana) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this route, providing an unparalleled view of Havana's historic harbor at takeoff and the world-famous San Blas Islands during the approach into Panama. This side captures the most diverse geographic features, from the turquoise Cuban cays to the dense tropical forests of the Isthmus of Panama.
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Havana Harbor
Aerial view of the Bahia de la Habana, the Malecón, and the historic fortifications including El Morro.
Isla de la Juventud
The largest island south of the Cuban mainland, featuring pine forests and rugged coastlines.
San Blas Islands
A breathtaking archipelago of over 300 tiny coral islands with white sand and turquoise water near Panama.
Atlantic Canal Entrance
The northern mouth of the Panama Canal near the city of Colón, visible during the final descent.
Portobelo Coast
The lush, green coastline of northern Panama, historically significant for Spanish treasure fleets.
Book a window seat on the left for the approach into Tocumen. If the flight path takes you over the Guna Yala region, you will see hundreds of tiny coral islands roughly 20 minutes before landing. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography, as the sun will be on the opposite side, illuminating the turquoise waters clearly.
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Zapata Peninsula
Cuba's massive wetland reserve and the site of the Bay of Pigs, visible shortly after departing Havana.
Gatun Lake
The enormous man-made lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal transit system.
Canal Expansion Locks
Views of the massive Cocolí or Agua Clara locks, depending on the specific flight approach path.
Panama City Skyline
The dense 'Dubai-like' skyline of Panama City's financial district visible in the distance during landing.
Intertropical Convergence Zone
Spectacular towering cumulonimbus cloud formations frequent over the Caribbean Sea in this region.
The right side is excellent for seeing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. As you descend, look for the massive Gatun Lake and the distinct line of ships waiting to transit the locks. For morning flights, this side remains in the shade, reducing glare on your window for better visibility of the lush Panamanian rainforest and the canal infrastructure.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 1,581 km (982 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min
Departure: HAV (22.989200592041016, -82.40910339355469)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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