Tocumen International Airport – Fire Safety Strategy Review

Project Overview

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In 2019, 1PAX was commissioned to contribute to the fire safety strategy review for the expansion of Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s main international hub and a critical infrastructure for regional connectivity. The project formed part of a large-scale development led by Aeropuerto de Tocumen and EGIS, with architectural design by Foster + Partners and ORAT services by EGIS. Designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes and reinforce Panama’s role as a regional and international gateway, the new infrastructure required rigorous alignment between design intent, operational readiness, and safety compliance.

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Key Challenge

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The expansion introduced increased spatial complexity, higher passenger capacity, and new operational scenarios that demanded a robust and coordinated fire safety and evacuation strategy. Ensuring compliance with international standards while translating technical requirements into practical, airport-wide operational protocols was essential to guarantee passenger safety, staff preparedness, and seamless day-to-day operations.

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Our Approach

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1PAX conducted an on-site visit to Tocumen International Airport, working in close coordination with airport authorities and key stakeholders. The team reviewed both existing and newly developed fire safety reports prepared under NFPA 101 standards, assessing their alignment with the expanded terminal configuration and operational conditions. Building on this analysis, 1PAX contributed to the drafting of the Airport Evacuation Plan and developed clear safety protocols tailored for implementation by the airport’s employee brigades, bridging regulatory compliance with operational clarity.

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