The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) in Ecuador has completed the liquidation process of TAME EP, the state-owned airline, after more than five years. The closure was finalized on December 19, 2025, fulfilling a directive from President Daniel Noboa to transfer all assets, liabilities, and ongoing legal matters to the MIT by December 31, 2025.
The liquidation began in May 2020 and concluded with a formal agreement signed between Patricia Chiriboga, the Undersecretary of Air Transport, and Lucía Quilachamin Soto, the liquidator for TAME EP “En Liquidación.”
Patricia Chiriboga stated: “The National Government, led by President Daniel Noboa, gave orderly continuity to this process, safeguarded public resources and closed a historic stage to move towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system oriented towards national interest.”
She also expressed gratitude toward the liquidator and technical-administrative team: “I thank the liquidator and the technical and administrative team who contributed with professionalism and commitment so that this process could be completed within the deadlines established by the Presidency of the Republic.”
From June 6, 2025 onward, efforts were intensified to meet deadlines for both liquidation and transfer. As a result of these actions, TAME EP became the only public company to complete its liquidation within the scheduled timeframe without extensions.
Key steps included resolving accounting issues, reducing debts owed by TAME EP, paying out benefits from a global fund to retirees who opted in voluntarily, and reimbursing customers unable to use their tickets due to operational disruptions. Special attention was given throughout this process to elderly people and those with disabilities.
Officials highlighted that prompt execution of tasks and debt reduction enhanced transparency. The experience is seen as a partial recovery model that may serve as an example for other state entities facing similar circumstances.
According to government statements: “The National Government marks a milestone in concluding the final phase of TAME EP’s liquidation after years of waiting,” underlining its aim for more efficient modes of transportation.
