The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has approved a new air route connecting Cuenca, Quito, and Baltra in the Galápagos Islands. The decision was made by the National Civil Aviation Council (CNAC), which includes representatives from MIT, the Ministry of Production, and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Latam Airlines Ecuador S.A. will operate this route with two weekly flights.
The new service is expected to begin in the coming days. According to government officials, this move aims to improve connectivity between southern Ecuador and the Galápagos archipelago, a major natural destination.
Roberto Luque, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, stated: “The opening of this route represents a firm step towards greater territorial integration and economic development. We are bringing Cuenca and Galápagos closer together—two strategic destinations for tourism and productivity in our country. With each new route we strengthen connectivity, create opportunities, and consolidate Ecuador as a benchmark for efficient and sustainable air mobility.”
This approval is part of broader efforts by MIT to expand both domestic and international air connections. Starting November 2025, American Airlines will double its daily flights on the Quito–Miami route; Avianca will add new routes to New York, San José, and San Salvador; while LATAM Airlines will increase its Guayaquil–New York service to daily flights.
Additionally, Spirit Airlines plans to resume direct flights between Guayaquil and Fort Lauderdale on December 4, 2025. Aeroméxico is also set to return to Ecuador’s market in March 2026 with four weekly flights between Quito and Mexico City.
President Daniel Noboa’s administration continues to focus on policies that enhance national integration through improved air transport links.
