Ecuador’s air market shows signs of recovery, President affirms

President Guillermo Lasso stated on Wednesday that Ecuador’s air market is experiencing a recovery, attributing it to the elimination of taxes and reduced rates on airline tickets aimed at enhancing connectivity.

Lasso highlighted the positive impact of these measures implemented during his administration, noting that international connectivity has recovered to 94% and domestic operations to 87% compared to pre-pandemic figures.

During the regional event “Aviation Day” in Guayaquil, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Lasso welcomed industry experts to discuss challenges and opportunities for enhancing the airline industry’s efficiency and competitiveness.

The President emphasized international confidence in Ecuador’s air sector policies, such as the signing of open skies agreements with the United States, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.

Lasso further announced the upcoming start of operations at the new international airport “General Eloy Alfaro” in Manta.

The airport, reconstructed by a consortium of Chinese companies, will facilitate connectivity to the Galapagos Islands and Panama, enabling Ecuador to be linked with the world.

Peter Cerda, IATA’s regional vice-president for the Americas, commended Ecuador’s recovery and increased connectivity within and outside the country.

He highlighted the positive trajectory of the Ecuadorian air market, citing a 10% recovery in domestic traffic and an 83% recovery in international traffic compared to the same period in 2019.

The efforts to enhance Ecuador’s air industry have contributed to its increased competitiveness and positive recovery in the post-pandemic era, as stated by Cerda.

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