While the takeoff offers mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and iconic views of the Panama Canal and Panama City skyline on the left. The canal crossing is the highlight of this short route.
Flown DAV to PAC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
David to Panama City is 201 miles (323 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight path crosses central Panama's interior, passing over the Cordillera Central mountain range and transitioning from the Caribbean-facing western highlands to the Pacific-facing central isthmus. The terrain gradually shifts from the forested mountains near David to lower, more developed areas as the aircraft approaches Panama City. The Gatun Lake region (part of the canal system) becomes visible during descent into the Panama City area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DAV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Serranía del Darién mountain range as the aircraft climbs eastward from David. The terrain rises dramatically inland, creating a striking contrast with the coastal plains below.
Landing at PAC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Panama City, with clear sightlines of the Panama Canal approach, the Bridge of the Americas, and the city's skyline against the Pacific. The aircraft descends from the west, making the left side ideal.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Enrique Malek International (DAV) to Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from David to Panama City. While the takeoff offers mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and iconic views of the Panama Canal and Panama City skyline on the left. The canal crossing is the highlight of this short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Enrique Malek International in David?
During takeoff from Enrique Malek International (DAV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Serranía del Darién mountain range as the aircraft climbs eastward from David. The terrain rises dramatically inland, creating a striking contrast with the coastal plains below. Notable sights include: Serranía del Darién (inland mountains), Chiriquí Lagoon (west of David), Coastal plains of western Panama, Caribbean Sea horizon.
What can I see when landing at Marcos A Gelabert International in Panama City?
When landing at Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Panama City, with clear sightlines of the Panama Canal approach, the Bridge of the Americas, and the city's skyline against the Pacific. The aircraft descends from the west, making the left side ideal. Notable sights include: Panama Canal (Gatun Locks and approach channel), Bridge of the Americas, Panama City skyline, Pacific coastline and bay.
How long is the flight from David to Panama City?
The flight from Enrique Malek International (DAV) to Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 201 miles (323 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the David to Panama City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Panama's interior, passing over the Cordillera Central mountain range and transitioning from the Caribbean-facing western highlands to the Pacific-facing central isthmus. The terrain gradually shifts from the forested mountains near David to lower, more developed areas as the aircraft approaches Panama City. The Gatun Lake region (part of the canal system) becomes visible during descent into the Panama City area.