Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH)

Scarlett Martínez International Airport is a regional gateway serving Río Hato and the Pacific beach resorts of Coclé Province in Panama. It handles mainly international charter flights and domestic services, bringing travelers close to resorts around Playa Blanca, Farallón and Coronado without the longer transfer from the capital.

Originally built as a United States military air base, the airport was later converted for civilian use and reopened in November 2013 under its current name in honor of Panamanian co-pilot Scarlett Martínez. The modernization included a rebuilt runway and terminal, and the Pan-American Highway was routed through a tunnel beneath the runway.

Located about 100 km southwest of central Panama City and only a few kilometers from Río Hato, the airport has a single compact passenger terminal where arrivals and departures are processed in one building. This keeps check-in, security, passport control and baggage claim relatively quick and straightforward.

Onward travel is possible by private transfer, taxi, rental car or intercity bus along the Pan-American Highway. There is no direct rail connection, so most visitors continue by road to beach hotels, Penonomé or Panama City.