Changuinola

Overview

Changuinola Captain Manuel Niño International Airport is the main air gateway for Changuinola in northwestern Panama, serving a region known for its tropical landscape, agricultural activity, and access routes toward the Caribbean side of the country. Identified by IATA code CHX and ICAO code MPCH, it is classified as a medium airport and provides an important local link for residents, business travellers, and visitors heading into Bocas del Toro Province. Its low elevation of 19 feet (6 m) reflects the area’s coastal plain geography, so travellers can expect a warm, humid tropical setting year-round.

Quick facts

• Official name: Changuinola Captain Manuel Niño International Airport
• Airport codes: CHX (IATA) and MPCH (ICAO)
• Location served: Changuinola, Panama
• Airport type: Medium airport
• Runway: 03/21, 3,609 feet, asphalt surface, lighted
• Time zone: America/Panama

What travellers should know

For visitors, this is the kind of airport where knowing the basics in advance can make the trip smoother. The single lighted asphalt runway, designated 03/21, is relatively short at 3,609 feet, which suits the airport’s regional role rather than large long-haul operations. Because Panama uses the America/Panama time zone and does not observe daylight saving time, schedules are generally straightforward to track. When planning your journey, it is wise to confirm transport onward from the airport before arrival, especially if you are continuing to nearby towns or coastal areas, since regional airports often have simpler facilities and fewer on-site services than major international hubs.