Enrique Malek Airport

Overview

Enrique Malek International Airport, identified as DAV and MPDA, is the main airport serving David in western Panama. It is classified as a medium airport and provides a practical arrival point for travelers heading to the city itself as well as the wider Chiriquí region. For most visitors, its value is simple: it offers a more direct gateway to this part of the country, reducing the need for longer overland transfers and making regional travel easier to plan.

What Travelers Should Know

• Airport name: Enrique Malek International Airport
• Location served: David, Panama
• Codes: IATA DAV, ICAO MPDA
• Time zone: America/Panama
• Elevation: 89 ft (27 m)

Airfield Details

The airport sits at a low elevation of 89 feet, or 27 meters, which is useful context for aviation-minded travelers and anyone checking operational details before a flight. Enrique Malek International Airport has one runway, 04/22, measuring 8,530 feet, with an asphalt surface and lighting. In practical terms, that means the airfield is equipped for regular day and night operations, and its runway length reflects infrastructure that is substantial for a regional airport.

Why It Matters for Your Trip

For travelers, DAV is less about grand scale and more about convenience. Because it serves David directly, it can be a smart choice for people who want quicker access to western Panama without routing every journey through farther-away hubs. Knowing the local time zone is America/Panama also helps when checking schedules, arranging pickups, or coordinating onward travel, especially if you are connecting from another country or managing a tight itinerary.