Mariscal Sucre International Airport is an international airport serving Quito, Ecuador. It is the busiest airport in Ecuador and one of the busiest in South America. It is located in the Tababela district, about 18 kilometers east of Quito and serves as the largest hub for Avianca Ecuador and LATAM Ecuador. It also served as the main hub for Ecuador’s flag carrier TAME before being liquidated by the Ecuadorian government in 2020. The airport opened in February 2013, replacing the 53-year-old airport of the same name. The airport is named after independence leader Antonio José de Sucre. It is rated by Skytrax as the only 5-star airport in the Western Hemisphere. There is a VIP terminal for private jet passengers within the port.
Ecuador private jet charter prices
Although Mariscal Sucre Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Quito are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 139.250 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 184.200 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 215.700 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Construction of the airport started in 2006. The renegotiation of the financing agreement for the port was signed on August 9, 2010.
On July 2, 2012, at around 6:19 am, a Boeing 757 of American Airlines landed at the new airport with approximately 100 passengers on board. The flight was used to obtain an operating certificate for runway tests. It also allowed to test the performance of the electronics installed for the transportation and handling of baggage and the check-in counters for passengers and luggage. The aircraft, accompanied by the Mayor of Quito, Augusto Barrera, local officials, aviation personnel and the media, took off from the existing Mariscal Sucre International Airport at 5:30 a.m. for the preliminary test and then took off at approximately 6:10 a.m. After a 9-minute flight, the plane landed at the new Airport. After landing, the aircraft taxied on taxiway 1 of the new airport and was greeted with water cannons from two fire trucks.
Visitors then toured the passenger terminal building and the north and south ends of the runway. After the tour, Mayor Barrera and officials held a press conference. The mayor said that the airport will be ready for the inauguration and that improvements will also be made to the E-35 and Interoceanic highways. “Today is a day of joy and optimism for the city. The only thing you get at this point is to participate in goodwill,” he said, adding that the social energy that the city has should serve to build and do things.
Mayor Barrera also stated that this airport will be a significant leap forward in the economic development of the city of Quito and that the resources generated by the new airport and the strategic alliance with Quiport will be for all the people of Quito. “We are fact-checking the transformation we are making for the Quito we desire,” he said. The Mayor also reported that when Mariscal Sucre Airport closes, the construction of a new park will begin on the available space and that in a few days tenders will be issued for phase 1 of the planned Quito Metro and the construction of a new bridge over the Chiche river.
The official opening was postponed from October 2012, citing the progress of improvements to various access roads, the holiday season and other factors. The new airport became operational on February 20, 2013, following the closure of the old airport the night before.
Quito attractions and Ecuadorian cuisine
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a must-visit destination in South America. The city is famous for its historical sites, cultural attractions and natural beauty. Here, visitors have many places to explore.
The historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find historic streets, buildings and churches full of traces of Spanish colonization. The Church of San Francisco and the Cathedral are some of Quito’s most iconic buildings. Other churches, such as La Compañía de Jesús Church, are also famous for their magnificent works of art.
Quito’s natural beauty is also worth exploring. A cable car, called TelefériQo, leads up to Pichincha, Quito’s famous volcano. From here, you can take in the spectacular views. Other natural areas, such as the Cajas National Park, are also located near Quito. Here you can have a great nature experience by hiking, bird watching or exploring the wildlife.
Ecuador is also famous for its strong indigenous culture and there are many opportunities to explore it in Quito. Otavalo is an indigenous market located in the north of Quito. Here, you can buy local handicrafts, textiles and food. You can also visit the Equatorial Line, called Mitad del Mundo. Here, you will have the chance to stand in the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time.
Finally, Quito’s food is also worth trying. Ecuadorian cuisine includes seafood, tropical fruits and indigenous dishes. You can taste local dishes such as ceviche, locro and empanadas. There are also many world-famous restaurants in Quito.
Quito offers a rich experience for visitors with its historical, natural and cultural beauties. For this reason, it stands out among the places to visit in South America.
Mariscal Sucre airport transportation details
Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located approximately 37 km from the city center, and buses, taxis and car rental services are available to reach the city center.
Buses provide transportation to both parts of the city. Tickets for the buses can be purchased from the ticket offices or vending machines at the airport terminal. The Río Coca Terminal, Consorcio SOTRANOR buses run from 5:30 am to 22:00 pm, while the Quitumbe Terminal, Consorcio COSIBO buses run from 5:30 am to 19:00 pm, all departing from stops at the airport terminal exit. In addition, Aeroservicios buses also run directly to the city center. These buses run 365 days a year and around the clock. The journey by bus takes about 1 hour.
Taxis may be the fastest option for airport transportation during your trip to Quito. Taxis outside the terminal of Mariscal Sucre Airport provide 24/7 service. Taxi stands are located at the exit of the terminal and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
There are also offices of different private car rental companies in the port.
