New airport to open in Quito Ecuador

Good news for all you intrepid travellers out there, Ecuador has just annouced the opening of a new airport in Quito improving connections to and from North America, Europe and the rest of Latin Amercia.

The much heralded new international airport for Ecuador’s capital city will be a major aviation development not just for Quito, but for the Latin American region as a whole. The new improved airport will be located in the Tababela and Puembo areas, 25 kms east of Quito.

Currently, the existing airport’s growth potential has been hampered by its altitude and short runway which has meant large aircraft can only take off with 60 per cent of their total capacity. In Tababela, aircraft will be able to take off with in excess of 90 per cent capacities due to the lower altitude (2400 metres above sea level) and the construction of a 4,100m long run-way.

Other airport facts for all you plane spotters out there…

* The new airport will have a capacity to receive more than four million passengers annually and will have a loading capacity of 270.000 tons

* The upgrades required to meet future demand will be implemented in stages throughout the years 2020 and 2030.

* The new airport extends over an area of 3700 acres, from which 1330 correspond directly to construction area

* The runway will have an average handling capacity of 44 operations per hour.

* Runways associated to two taxiways

* The passengers terminal area covers 38 000 square meters, with the corresponding services established by IATA regulations.

* Seven boarding gates for passengers. A capacity for 20 aircraft taxing spaces.

* 50 airline counters

* Extensive, modern, and secure parking areas for vehicles.

* Airport operations services with state-of-the-art technology.

* Security standards with closed circuits television

The airport will be open by November 2011 so perfect for next year’s GAP Year students looking for some South American action as Quito is the perfect entry point to experience the very best of Latin America. Learn Spanish in Quito or jump on a connection flight to Montanita – surfers paradise in Ecuador where you can surf alongside some of the world’s best surfers who flock here to practice on some class waves.

Whatever your travel plans, we say a new airport is good news for all travel to Ecuador.