This year, Ecuador managed to surpass the air traffic it had before the pandemic (2019). Good news as air connectivity facilitates trade and tourist entry.

Through José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil, between January and August, 415,521 domestic travelers entered the country, and through Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, 379,679 domestic travelers entered the country from abroad.

Guayaquil is the country’s main gateway to foreign countries, which has continued since the pandemic.

The airport terminal of the capital is the one that transported the most passengers during 2022 (on national and international flights), with an increase of 84.3% more than in 2021. Guayaquil follows with an increase of 65.2%.

The figures show the potential in air matters, which must remain on the government’s radar as an economic pillar, even as projects and strategies for the tourism sector are developed. The aviation market must undoubtedly grow in order to strengthen commercial opportunities as well.

Mayor Aquiles Alvarez predicts that the new Guayaquil International Airport in Daular will be ready by 2031.

The International Air Transport Association highlighted Ecuador’s decisions such as the abolition of currency departure tax for airlines, reduction of tourism power and eco delta tax as a step to improve air connectivity for passengers and cargo. However, last June he stressed the need for other stimulus measures.

He suggested exploring the cost review of airports with decentralized autonomous governments; review with the Civil Aviation Authority the rates of overflights to Ecuador; proposed the growth of domestic connectivity and pointed out that after committing to reduce aviation emissions to zero by 2050, Ecuador could “develop and supply sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)”.

Passenger traffic at airports in Latin America and the Caribbean increased by 6.3% in June 2023 compared to the same month in 2019.

Three months have passed since these requests were made. It is timely to consider its progress and the progress of any regulatory policy that improves the country’s economy without affecting its habitat and sovereignty. (OR)