Panama-based Copa Airlines hopes to resume operations on June 1, 2020, pending approval from regional authorities.

The move follows a 30-day extension of the suspension of all international flights in the country due to the coronavirus crisis.

In addition, between May 23 and 31, the airline expects to be able to increase its number of humanitarian flights, with the goal of transporting more passengers back to their homes.

Copa Airlines said resuming its operations from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport will be a gradual process, beginning with approximately 10 percent of total existing operations prior to the impact of COVID-19, due to low passenger demand in the short and medium term, a high volume of reservation cancelations and the fact that most of the countries in the region have operational and entry restrictions in place.

The airline said it was “committed” to the safety of its passengers and staff, and would implement the health, hygiene and sanitation protocols required by national and international health authorities

Copa said it was also developing new procedures to reinforce its health efforts.

— CJ