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The stunning geography of Ecuador and its burgeoning export industry partly explain the well-equipped and modern airports in Ecuador. The aviation hubs are accessed worldwide. They are a gateway to the distinct and varying geographical terrains of mountains, beaches, plain lands, forests, and islands. In Ecuador, the international and domestic airports ease air travel and elevate this South American country in the global economy. It is estimated that around 120,000 aircraft take off from the country’s airports annually. Each of the airports boasts of astounding facilities and technology, and witnesses major traffic.
Top 10 Airports In Ecuador
Here is a list of the most prominent airports in Ecuador that are capable of providing premium quality services to passengers.
1. Mariscal Sucre International Airport / UIO
Photo: huynhkimdaihuu30051999 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
UIO is a premier public airport located 18 km east of Quito. At an elevation of 2,400 meters, the runway is designed in a way that manages high-altitude takeoffs. The airport has direct international flights to New York, Miami, Lima, Madrid, and domestic flights connecting Baltra Island, Cuenca, and Cristobal Island, to name a few. UIO has a reputation for being the first five-star rated airport in the Western Hemisphere. Being only 14 km away from Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage City Centre and well-connected by road, the airport is always bustling and brimming.
Places To Visit Nearby: Papallacta Hot Springs, Cumbaya Park, Quito Zoo
Nearby Hotel:Wyndham Quito Airport
Nearby Restaurants: Hotel Alpachaca
2. José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport / GYE
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GYE is a major airport that connects Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, to the world. A public airport, it is about 6.1 metres (20 feet) above sea level. It features a single-terminal to handle both domestic and international flights. Until 2006, the airport was known as Simón Bolívar International Airport. Presently, it has a capacity to accommodate 7.5 million passengers yearly. The airport is known for its modern and plush amenities, such as VIP lounges, sprawling parking spaces, a vertical green garden, and upgraded baggage systems.
Places To Visit Nearby: Santa Ana Hill, Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral, Parque Historico Guayaquil
Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport
Nearby Restaurants: Cafe Astoria
3. Seymour Airport / GPS
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Known as Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport, GPS is in Baltra Island, Galapagos. The airport was designed considering the principles of sustainability and the island’s efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity. GPS was recognised as the first ecological airport in the world. The airport experiences the highest footfall from the inflow of passengers from Quito and Guayaquil. Interestingly, GPS served as the key military base during World War II. Today, it has grown into a highly accessed public airport with an emphasis on scientific research in the region.
Places To Visit Nearby: Tahbik
Nearby Hotel: Pikaia Lodge, Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: Nazca Esencia Restaurant
4. Mariscal Lamar International Airport / CUE
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CUE is a high elevation airport located in Cuenca, Ecuador and is at an elevation of 8,306 feet above sea level. Besides seasonal charters, it has amazing connectivity to Quito and Guayaquil. The airport has a vital role in connecting Cuenca to other cities and improving its trade and tourism. Being Ecuador’s most important administrative, cultural, and commercial centre, travellers and visitors highly rely on Mariscal Lamar Airport. CUE is well-connected to the UNESCO World Heritage city centre by roads and has a range of transportation options at its disposal.
Places To Visit Nearby: Tomebamba River, Pumapungo Museum, San Blas Park
Nearby Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca, Italia Cuenca
Nearby Restaurants: Las Campanas Restaurant
5. Eloy Alfaro International Airport / MEC
Photo: juliaorige / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
MEC is a mixed-use facility airport located in Manta, Ecuador, and serves both civilians and military. It is one of the airports in Ecuador that boasts of a brilliant 5,000 square metre terminal. From Manta, flights to Quito, Panama City, Orlando, Miami, New York, and Guayaquil are most opted for. The airport was ceremoniously inaugurated by the Ecuadorian Air Force and has since gone through major innovations, especially after the 2016 earthquake. Today, it has a nine-storey high control tower and a 9,400 feet runway as some of the exemplary features availed by the public.
Places To Visit Nearby: Eloy Alfaro Park, Middle of the World City
Nearby Hotel: Aquamarina Hotel, Casa Paraiso
Nearby Restaurants: MAVI – Café & Grill
6. San Cristóbal Airport / SCY
Photo: Time1337 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
SCY is in the southwestern fringes of San Cristóbal Island, and both runaways are to be approached by crossing the ocean. Tourists and residents frequently access the airport since it connects to Guayaquil and Quito. The design incorporates sustainability and practicality, which ensures smooth operations at SCY. The convenience of interisland flights from SCY makes travel to Baltra and Isabela Islands fairly easy. These two islands are frequented owing to the rich wildlife, untainted natural landscapes, adventure activities, and historical significance.
Places To Visit Nearby: El Junco Lagoon, Kicker Rock
Nearby Hotel: Golden Bay Galapagos
Nearby Restaurants: Cabaña Grande, Giuseppe’s
7. Santa Rosa International Airport / ETR
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One of the major airports in Ecuador, ETR is also known as Coronel Artilleria Victor Larrea Airport. It is the primary connecting link to Machala, the capital of El Oro Province in Ecuador, and features a single runway of 8,625 feet. The airport is furnished with a modern terminal that manages international flights. For its unparalleled medical services and fast security clearance, ETR has gained immense popularity. The airport is also significant to the boom in shrimp and banana farming and the hangars serve as major operational units. Over the years, it has witnessed significant passenger traffic, with approximately 12,591 passengers in 2022.
Places To Visit Nearby: Gracianna Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Muir Woods National Monument
Nearby Hotel: Hotel Toledo, Santa Rosa, Hostal Gualingo
Nearby Restaurants: La Choza de Koko
8. San Cristobal Airport / SCY
Photo: Appenzell9050 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
SCY is in the San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos and has a 6,214 feet runway for heavy aircraft. Its construction was completed in 1983. The interisland flights here connect passengers to the Baltra and Isabela Islands. However, SCY has no international flights. The popular routes are Quito and Guayaquil. The airport has basic facilities with an aim to reduce carbon emissions and other adverse environmental impacts. It has no fuel services or overnight parking facilities for domestic flights. The primary focus is regional connectivity with a steadfast allegiance to environmentalism.
Places To Visit Nearby: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Nearby Hotel: Paraiso Insular
Nearby Restaurants: Cafe San Cristobal
9. Coca Airport / OCC or Francisco de Orellana Airport
Photo: Joergelman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
OCC is connected to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, which is the capital of Orellana Province in Ecuador. Construction of OCC was completed between 1958 and 1959 with the purpose to serve the community living in the Ecuadorian forests. At an elevation of about 833 feet above sea level, the airport has regular flights to Quito operational with rare charter options. For tourists and researchers, the airport is a vital connecting link to Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Amazon basin.
Places To Visit Nearby: El Coca Central Park
Nearby Hotel: YARINA Eco Lodge
Nearby Restaurants: LOS TRONCOS
10. Lago Agrio Airport / LGQ Or Nueva Loja Airport
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The Nueva Loja Airport in Nueva is about 976 feet above sea level. One notable aspect of LGQ is the ease of travel to the Amazon rainforests, which is a pivotal factor in the expansion of local and international trade, research, and tourism. Many oil fields are scattered in the region and LGQ is a major pathway to access these locations. Depending on FAR Regulations, certain flights may require permits to land here. Besides the Amazons, the airport enables tourists to access Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
Places To Visit Nearby: Parque Nacional Yasuní, MACCO
Nearby Hotel: Hotel las Acacias
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurante el capitán
Ecuador is a feast for the senses, offering a rich blend of the majestic Andes, the lush Amazon Rainforest, and breathtaking coastlines. This vibrant country seamlessly weaves together its colonial heritage, ancient history, and indigenous traditions. With well-connected airports in Ecuador, travelling across its diverse landscapes has never been easier. Whether you’re exploring the Galápagos Islands, the highland cities, or the Amazon basin, Ecuador provides a picturesque gateway to adventure and relaxation. Plan your journey with TripXL for a seamless and unforgettable experience in the “country of four worlds.”
Cover Photo: Chris Leipelt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
