Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (IATA: PAC, ICAO: MPMG), also known as Albrook Airport, is located close to the city center of Panama City and handles almost all domestic flights. These are operated by Air Panama and flytrip as well as a large number of domestic and international general aviation traffic. Several flight schools are also based here.

Written by Sebastian Arndt and Daniel Klein. Last Update: December 2025

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
01/19	1800 m asphalt
Terminals	One small terminal building
Spotting Information
Ladder	Can be useful at spot 3, but might not be tolerated by the security guard.
Car/Public Transport	Local buses are available, but we recommend to use taxis or uber.
Drinks/Food	A food court is located inside the terminal. The spotting location McDonald’s (see Spot 4) obviously also has amenities like food and toilets.
Hotels	The Marriott Hotels offers a fantastic view of the airport (see Spot 3)
Season	Preferrably in the dry season from December to May
Security	We did not have any issues with security here.
Runway Usage
01/19	There is only one runway. Runway usage depends on the wind direction.

	Spot #1 – Terminal Food Court – Ramp and taxiway
WHERE	Inside the terminal, there is a food court with a window offering clear views onto the ramp. No boarding pass is needed to access this place.
WHAT	Aicraft parked on the ramp and aircraft taxiing past.
TIME	Noon until sunset.
MISC.	Everything you need can be found inside the terminal. Parked cars might block the view partially.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-250 mm

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	Spot #2 – Gate – Ramp and taxiway
WHERE	There is a gate on Avenida Omar Torrijos Herrera. Just stand on both sides of the gat at the fence and shoot through the holes in the fence.
WHAT	Most aircraft parked on the ramp are visible. Aircraft taxiing to runway 01 usually pass by here.
TIME	All day depending on the angle.
MISC.	A security guard is present. I recommend to ask him beforehand for permission. I did not have any problems when visiting.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-250 mm

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	Spot #3 – Marriott Hotel – All runway movements
WHERE	The Marriott Hotel next to the Albrook Mall offers an open rooftop with a pool and a perfect sight on the southern part of the airport. The view to the right (northern part) is not possible. There should be rooms facing the airport as well but we did not test it. Of course you have to book a room to access this place.
WHAT	Best for arrivals and departures from runway 01. Departures from 19 should be possible. Some 19 arrivals might exit the runway earlier.
TIME	Sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Everything needed in the hotel. The Albrook Mall is not far away.
FOCAL LENGTH	Unknown

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	Spot #4 – Mc Donalds – All runway movements
WHERE	This spot is located on the second floor of the McDonald’s next to the Albrook Mall. There is an outside terrace where you can sit and watch the traffic passing by.
WHAT	All traffic can be spotted. You are elevated and get a great view of the runway.
TIME	Sunrise until noon.
MISC.	Toilets are available. It is recommended to buy something from McDonald’s when using this location.
FOCAL LENGTH	Unknown

No sample pictures available. Location looks like this.