Mariscal Sucre International Airport Sees Major Cargo Growth and Expansion
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport has achieved a significant milestone, ranking fifth among major cargo airports in Latin America, according to the International Council of Airports of Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC).
The airport experienced a 14.2% increase in cargo volumes last year, reaching 335,407 tons, the highest percentage growth of any airport in the region.
The substantial increase in cargo traffic is attributed to recent investments in the airport’s facilities, including a major expansion of the export cargo terminal in 2023.
The expansion added 2,880 square meters to cargo handling and truck maneuvering areas, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the airport’s growth. The addition of a cargo logistics center, operated by Tababela Cargo Center, has also been a key factor, centralizing export consolidation, customs clearance, and temporary storage for imports.
In the peak Valentine’s Day season of 2024, the airport set a record with 26,466 tons of cargo, marking a 17.3% increase from the previous year. Mariscal Sucre’s cargo network benefits from operations of 15 cargo airlines, serving both scheduled and charter flights, with over 90% of the cargo consisting of flowers, a major Ecuadorian export.
The airport’s growth is set to continue with a $74.2 million expansion project, resuming after a pandemic-related hiatus.
Scheduled for completion in late 2025, the project will increase terminal space by 17,647 square meters, enhance passenger facilities, expand the apron, and add new boarding bridges and taxiways. The expansion aims to improve passenger experience and boost operational capacity, creating approximately 400 direct and 800 indirect jobs.
Ramón Miró, president and CEO of Corporación Quiport, emphasized the airport’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and service. “The great performance of air cargo reflects the collective effort of our logistics chain partners and our continuous investment in facilities and services,” Miró said. “We are proud to see Mariscal Sucre Airport emerging as a key regional player in air cargo transportation.”
The ongoing development at Mariscal Sucre International Airport underscores its role as a pivotal hub for Ecuador’s economic growth and its growing importance in global air cargo logistics.
