Author: Rafael Orellana

• According to industry forecasts, a 6% increase is expected compared to 2025.
• Ecuadorian flowers reach the world primarily through cargo hubs in the United States and Europe.
• Quito Airport ranks fifth among airports with the highest cargo volume in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20, the Valentine’s Day flower export season begins at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and will run until February 10. This year, a 6% increase in flower exports is expected, according to initial industry estimates.

In the 2025 season, the most successful on record, Ecuador exported a total of 28,779 metric tons of flowers—nearly 29 million kilograms—from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport, shipped on 534 outbound flights. An increase in the number of flights is also expected this year.

The main destinations for Ecuadorian flowers are the major cargo distribution hubs in the United States and Europe, particularly Miami and Amsterdam, from where they are distributed to markets worldwide.

Cargo operations at Quito’s airport have experienced sustained growth, allowing it to rank fifth in Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of annual cargo volume. The year 2025 ended with a total of 407,240 tons of cargo transported across exports, imports, and domestic shipments. If we analyze only the performance of air cargo exports, 336,480 tons were exported from Quito, registering an 11.2% increase compared to 2014.

For Ramón Miró, president and CEO of Corporación Quiport, this is good news. “Air cargo performance is undoubtedly one of the main indicators we use to evaluate airport operations, as it allows us to measure the contribution of Quito’s airport to an activity that is key to the economic development of the city and the country.”

The year 2025 marked a turning point for Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Under the management of Corporación Quiport, the airport consolidated a key expansion and strengthened its operational, logistical, and connectivity performance.

Expansion and Capacity

With an investment of US$74.2 million, financed with Quiport’s own resources, the airport expansion became operational. The project, carried out by Ecuadorian workers, adds 17,647 m² to the passenger terminal and 35,000 m² to the apron, and incorporates larger areas for both international arrivals and departures, improvements to the baggage handling system, a reconfigured Customs area, new commercial spaces, 20 new airline check-in counters, and 12 self-service check-in kiosks. A pre-boarding lounge for 350 passengers; and the expansion of the international VIP lounge, which will be completed in 2026. These improvements increase the airport’s capacity from 5 to 7 million passengers annually.

Operational Efficiency

The implementation of new biometric gates in international departures streamlined immigration controls and enhanced the passenger experience, aligning operations with international standards. In the first phase of operation, the biometric gates can be used by Ecuadorian passengers over 18 years of age traveling to South American countries that do not require a visa.

Air Connectivity

During 2025, Quito Airport handled 5.4 million passengers, with 12 commercial airlines operating flights connecting the capital to 8 domestic and 14 international destinations. This performance solidifies the airport’s position as a strategic connection point for the country and the region. In this context, they highlighted the launch of direct Quito-Madrid flights by Air Europa and the announcement of the resumption of the Quito-Mexico City route by Aeroméxico—which will begin operations in March 2026—expanding connection options with Europe and North America. Additionally, there were increased frequencies to New York, Panama City, Bogotá, Lima, and Houston, increasing the number of seats available to these destinations.

The first four months of 2025 were marked by the uncertainty inherent in an electoral process, which influenced a reduction in passengers. However, starting in May, Quito’s airport registered a sustained increase in the number of travelers, allowing for a positive year-end, with a slight increase compared to 2024, a year in which 5.3 million passengers traveled.

Air Cargo

The logistics operation reaffirmed its regional leadership and maintained the growth trend recorded since 2021; Cargo volume grew from 364,000 metric tons in 2024* to 407,000 metric tons in 2025**, transported by 16 operating cargo airlines, consolidating Quito as a key driver of foreign trade, especially in flower exports, which account for 93% of the cargo exported from Quito Airport.

Experience and Recognition

Below are some of the key recognitions awarded by international organizations and specialized authorities, reflecting the operational performance, service quality, and environmental management of Mariscal Sucre International Airport during 2025.

• Quito Airport among the most punctual in the world, according to Cirium.
• Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean, in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program of the Airports Council International.
• Best Regional Airport in South America, in the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
• Fifth place in air cargo in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to ACI-LAC.
• Level 5 Passenger Experience Accreditation, renewed by the Airports Council International (ACI).
• “Blue Point” recognition, awarded by the Ministry of the Environment, for water management at Quito Airport.
• Award for coexistence between biodiversity and air operations, granted by ACI-LAC.

In summary, 2025 consolidated a larger, more modern, and more efficient airport, prepared to support the future growth of air transport, strengthen Ecuador’s logistics and connectivity, and enhance its contribution to tourism and the country’s economic development.

• Data corrected after receiving official figures from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. The preliminary figure published on January 2, 2025, was 354,000 tons.

** Preliminary figures.

Quiport Corporation S.A. has once again positioned itself among the companies with the best reputation in the country, according to Merco’s annual study. This year, the company achieved a significant milestone by ranking 20th, its best position since participating in this evaluation.

Merco (Corporate Reputation Business Monitor) is one of the leading benchmarks for corporate reputation in Latin America. Its methodology is independent and based on a multi-stakeholder model that gathers the opinions of business leaders, executives, financial analysts, journalists, academics, NGOs, experts in social responsibility and sustainability, as well as surveys of the general public. It also incorporates technical evaluations of reputational merits and verifications carried out by independent auditors.

This recognition reflects the trust that Quito and Ecuador place in the comprehensive management of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, one of the most important strategic services for national development.

Ramon Miró, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, emphasized: “This achievement reflects the commitment of our entire team. Every day we work with responsibility and a vision for the future to offer excellent airport service. We thank the city and the country for their trust; we will continue striving to live up to that support.”

Quiport’s journey since its inception has been marked by increasing challenges that have been overcome thanks to the commitment of shareholders, board of directors, and employees, guided by a clear purpose: we do it well because we value life.

The Merco recognition reaffirms the work done and motivates the organization to continue strengthening its contribution to the country, promoting a safe, sustainable, and high-quality airport for all Ecuadorians.

At Corporación Quiport, we are proud to present to Quito and to Ecuador the most significant expansion project in the recent history of our airport infrastructure: the 2025 expansion of Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This project—driven by vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—opens a new chapter for the country’s air connectivity.

The project began in 2019 and, like many initiatives around the world, was paused during the pandemic. We resumed its construction in 2024, firmly convinced that recovery must go hand in hand with growth. Today, with an investment of USD 74.2 million, we are expanding the airport’s capacity from 5 to more than 7 million passengers per year and strengthening all key processes to deliver a superior experience for our users.

The project added 17,647 m² to the terminal and expanded the apron by 35,000 m², incorporating new operational, commercial, and service areas. We have increased space for international arrivals and departures, expanded check-in capacity, added a pre-boarding lounge for 350 passengers, created new aircraft parking positions, and prepared for the future expansion of our International VIP Lounge.

All of this was made possible thanks to the work of Ecuadorian teams: the construction firm Ekron, our contractors, and hundreds of collaborators who contributed their expertise throughout 17 months of continuous work. More than 500 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs were generated around a project that, at its core, was created to serve the country.

One of the most significant milestones was obtaining the EDGE certification, which recognizes sustainable buildings in terms of energy, water, and carbon reduction. We are the first airport project in Ecuador to receive this distinction—a further step in our commitment to responsible development aligned with international standards.

Another key achievement was that the entire construction phase was completed without any serious accidents, thanks to strict occupational health and safety protocols.

Finally, bringing the new facilities into operation required coordinated work with airlines, ground-handling companies, security authorities, and the broader airport community—demonstrating that major projects come to life only through collaboration and trust.

We extend our special appreciation to our shareholders, whose continued support, vision, and confidence were essential for this project to advance decisively. Their commitment to the country’s development has made it possible to deliver an initiative that strengthens Ecuador’s strategic infrastructure.

The expansion of Quito Airport is not just a physical achievement; it is a clear signal of optimism, growth, and long-term vision. At Quiport, we reaffirm our commitment to the city, to the country, and to service excellence at Ecuador’s main gateway.

Motiva S.A., formerly CCR, one of the shareholders of Corporación Quiport, carried out a divestment process of its asset portfolio, which includes 20 airports in Brazil, Curaçao, San José, and its stake in Corporación Quiport, the concessionaire of Quito’s international airport.

On November 18, Motiva announced that it had reached an agreement for the sale of these assets to Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), a well-known Mexican airport operator with a presence in several Latin American countries.

In this context, we consider it important to emphasize that operations at Mariscal Sucre International Airport—and all related infrastructure projects, regulatory procedures, operational processes, sustainability programs, investments, contractual initiatives, and ongoing strategic plans—continue without any alteration, pause, reconfiguration, or change in direction.

Corporación Quiport will fully maintain its team, organizational structure, management model, and performance standards, all of which are widely recognized both regionally and internationally.

Likewise, Quiport will continue to comply with all obligations under the Concession Agreement of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, its amendments, the applicable technical regulations, and the international standards governing civil aviation under the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).

In announcing the transaction, Motiva expressed its deep appreciation for the confidence that the Republic of Ecuador, the Municipality of Quito, and the Metropolitan Public Airport Services Company (EPMSA) have placed in the Quito airport project.

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport will once again offer direct flights to Mexico City with the resumption of Aeromexico operations beginning March 23, 2026. The route will have four weekly frequencies, and tickets are now available on the airline’s official website.

The flights will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with capacity for 166 passengers.

With the return of Aeromexico, Quito Airport expands its international connectivity options on a high-demand route that also facilitates connections to multiple destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Through the Aeroméxico network, passengers will be able to access cities such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún, Mérida, Querétaro, Huatulco, and Oaxaca, as well as international destinations such as Montreal, Toronto, Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Quiport’s President and CEO, Ramón Miró, highlighted the importance of this announcement: “We are very pleased that Aeromexico flights are resuming to this attractive and highly in-demand destination, both for leisure and business travelers. This return consolidates Quito as a key point in the regional airline network and allows us to continue expanding our offerings for those traveling to and from our country.”

For his part, José Zapata, Aeromexico’s Vice President of Sales for the United States, Canada, and Latin America, emphasized: “We are very happy to be able to return to Quito, a destination where we first landed in 2013. We are confident that the reactivation of flights between Mexico and Ecuador will be very beneficial for our customers in both countries. Thanks to a schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays departing from Quito, they will be able to connect to any of the 100 destinations Aeroméxico offers on its domestic and international network.

Flights will have the following operating schedule:

• Instead of keeping wildlife away, Quito Airport coexists with it — transforming part of its land into a wildlife sanctuary. 

 
• The “UIO Natural Laboratory” project converts 150 hectares of airport land into a living space for conservation, ecological restoration, and science. 

 
• Over 72 hectares reforested, 12,000 native trees planted, 400 tons of CO₂ captured annually, and more than 160 wild animals released. 

Quito, October 7, 2025. – Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport received the Green Airport Recognition 2025, awarded by the Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), thanks to an innovative project developed by Corporación Quiport, titled Laboratorio Natural UIO (UIO Natural Laboratory), which transforms part of the airport premises into a living space for conservation, restoration, and science. 

A natural laboratory inside the airport 

The Laboratorio Natural UIO spans 150 hectares within the airport’s concession area, where biodiversity is protected, restored, and studied in harmony with air operations. Quiport has developed this pioneering model at Mariscal Sucre — the first of its kind in Ecuador and one of the few in the world to achieve safe coexistence between wildlife and aviation. 

Unlike the traditional airport approach — which seeks to keep animals away for safety reasons — Quito has demonstrated that nature can coexist harmoniously with air operations when there is proper planning, scientific monitoring, and responsible environmental management. 

What happens inside the Laboratorio Natural UIO? 

• Ecological restoration: Over the past decade, 72 hectares of Andean dry forest have been restored with native species, capturing around 400 tons of CO₂ per year and regenerating essential ecosystem services. 
 

• Biodiversity: More than 100 species have been recorded, including endemic and threatened ones such as the Quito marsupial frog, the Andean rabbit, and Soderstrom’s harvest mouse. 
• Applied research: Camera trap and satellite monitoring studies confirmed the presence of the Andean fox, with home ranges of up to 7.8 km², showing that the airport serves as a safe refuge for native species. 
 

• Operational safety: The presence of raptors, such as owls, contributes to the natural control of rodents, reducing runway risks and demonstrating that surrounding wildlife can safely coexist with aviation. 
 

• Rehabilitation and release: In coordination with the environmental authority, over 160 rescued wild animals — including birds, mustelids, and snakes — have been released in this area over the past two years. 
 

• Education and participation: Airport staff and nearby communities participate in citizen science and wildlife observation programs, strengthening the link between conservation and air operations. 

Quiport’s leadership in airport sustainability 

Under the leadership of Corporación Quiport, responsible for the comprehensive management of Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the implementation of its environmental strategy, the airport has consolidated a management model that combines operational safety, sustainability, and environmental commitment. 

This recognition adds to a history of regional leadership: it is the third environmental project by Quiport recognized with the Green Airport Recognition by ACI-LAC, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for airport sustainability in Latin America. 

“The Laboratorio Natural UIO is a source of pride for Quito and for the Latin American airport sector. Since the construction and start of operations, Quiport has worked to understand the ecosystem in which we operate and to design projects that restore and conserve it. I thank ACI-LAC for recognizing the initiatives that airports across Latin America and the Caribbean are implementing to protect the environment,” said Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Quiport. 

Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, added: “Quiport has shown that an airport can be both a driver of connectivity and an ally of the environment. At ACI-LAC, through the Green Airport Recognition program, we celebrate its commitment to biodiversity integration and the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, reflecting the purpose of our initiative — to promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.” 

A model for sustainable aviation 

The recognition was presented during the ACI-LAC Annual Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition 2025, held in Trinidad and Tobago, which brought together airport industry leaders from across the region. 

This achievement reaffirms Mariscal Sucre International Airport as one of the few in the world to successfully integrate biodiversity conservation with air operations, establishing itself as a benchmark for sustainable aviation and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in airport management. 

More information about the award: 
https://aci-lac.aero/horus/news/aci-lac-destaca-el-compromiso-de-aeropuertos-y-jovenes-profesionales-con-la-biodiversidad-y-la-seguridad-digital&lang=es 

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• Passengers with hidden disabilities can request a Sunflower lanyard free of charge and without the need for medical documentation.
• The lanyard discreetly communicates to airport staff that the wearer may require more time, clearer explanations, or adapted treatment to meet their needs.
• More than 900 staff members have been trained to provide more conscious service, in a process that included specialized training and direct participation of people with non-visible disabilities.

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport announced its incorporation into the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, an initiative aimed at improving accessibility and travel experience for people with non-visible disabilities such as autism, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, diabetes, among others.

🌻 Why is it important and how to access the program?

In dynamic environments like an airport, people with non-visible disabilities may have special needs that are not always obvious to those providing passenger assistance. The Sunflower program is designed for these passengers who could benefit from care that considers these needs during their journey through the airport.

How does it work?

Individuals who need it may voluntarily request a sunflower lanyard, available at the information desk in the departures area.

The lanyard is provided free of charge and without the need to present medical documentation. This discreet symbol signals to airport staff that the wearer may require more time, detailed explanations, or simply more empathetic treatment. While it does not grant benefits such as priority lines nor exempts passengers from going through all processes and controls, it facilitates more conscious and adapted service to the passenger’s needs. The guideline for airport staff is simple yet powerful: “How can I assist you?”

🤝 An airport community committed

The program’s implementation has been possible thanks to the collective commitment of the entire airport community, which recognizes that continuously improving the passenger experience is a shared responsibility.

From its initial stages, the process was participatory: Quiport, as the concessionaire, promoted dialogue spaces with representatives of airport stakeholders such as airlines, security, immigration, and commercial tenants to ensure coherent, comprehensive, and sustainable implementation.

🔎 Joint diagnosis and concrete actions

As part of the development, a tour of the facilities was carried out with people with different disabilities, in collaboration with the Rett Ecuador Foundation, to identify possible opportunities for improvement in signage, infrastructure, and customer service. Input was also incorporated from the initiatives of the Metropolitan Public Airport Services Company (EPMSA), which had been working on care protocols for people with autism at security checkpoints.

In addition, Quiport staff already had prior training in sign language, further strengthening an institutional culture that is sensitive and prepared.

👥 Training with real impact

The training component was key: more than 900 people from 15 companies operating at the airport participated in specialized training sessions, led by experts, a representative from an airport experienced with Sunflower, and individuals with non-visible disabilities who shared real-life experiences and practical recommendations.

This effort adds to the continuous improvement processes led by the Passenger Experience Committee, which permanently promotes training in service quality and customer care.

🌍 An approach aligned with a long-term vision

The incorporation of the Sunflower program is not an isolated achievement. The terminal has previously been recognized with the Progressive Inclusive Seal from the Municipality of Quito and is the first in the country to obtain Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation for Airports (AEA), granted by the Airports Council International (ACI).

🗣 Statements

Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Quiport:

“One of the greatest satisfactions I take from implementing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is witnessing that the entire airport community is genuinely committed to learning how to effectively engage with individuals with hidden disabilities. We believe that true excellence in service is rooted in empathy. We are proud to have a team that is sensitized and trained to provide real support to those living with non-visible conditions. This program not only transforms the way we serve but also the way we understand inclusion.”

Flavia Callafange, Regional Director for Latin America of Hidden Disabilities (Sunflower):

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the effort and dedication you have put into the HD Sunflower project. We are very happy that Quito Airport has joined this important initiative. This is a significant step towards a more inclusive city and country. I appreciate your continued commitment and collaboration in this project.”

Isabel Maldonado, Executive Director of Rett Foundation:

“At Rett Foundation, we had the opportunity to accompany Quiport in this process, which demonstrates how companies can lead real transformations toward inclusion. The participation of people with disabilities in all spaces is key to guaranteeing their rights. We applaud and congratulate this initiative, which marks an important step toward more conscious, empathetic, and accessible care.”

🌻 A symbol that opens doors

In an airport recognized for its operational, environmental, and service excellence, inclusion today is a key pillar in the continuous improvement of passenger experience. The implementation of the Sunflower program reinforces this commitment, offering a tangible tool to make air travel a more human, empathetic, and mindful experience.

In a context where sustainability is increasingly a priority, Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport becomes the first airport in the country to receive the Punto Azul distinction, awarded by the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE), in recognition of Corporación Quiport water management efforts within airport operations, promoting ecosystem conservation, environmental restoration, and efficient water use.

🔹 Among the main actions supporting this distinction are:

• Wastewater treatment, with 99% efficiency in removing contaminants.
• Rainwater collection and management, as a preventative measure against flooding and as a tool for adaptation to climate change.
• Water reuse in cleaning processes at the waste management center.

🌱 One of the most significant initiatives is the 17-hectare rainwater reservoir, a nature-based solution that allows for water storage and, at the same time, mitigates operational risks by reducing the presence of wildlife in critical areas, strengthening airport security.

📣 Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, stated:

“Receiving the Punto Azul award is a profound honor for us because it represents much more than an award: it is a testament to our committed and consistent environmental management at Quito International Airport. At Quiport, sustainability is a daily practice that guides every one of our decisions. Water is a vital resource that we must protect. This recognition motivates us to continue working with respect for nature and a firm commitment to the future.”

📣 María Luisa Cruz, Minister of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition

“Today we proudly celebrate that Quiport is the first company in the airport sector to receive the Punto Azul. This is, without a doubt, a milestone for the country. We congratulate Quiport and its technical and management team for achieving this distinction, which is not only an institutional award, but a concrete expression of co-responsibility between the State, the productive sector, and citizens.”

The Punto Azul recognition, valid for two years, reaffirms Quiport’s commitment to environmentally responsible management, aligned with the highest international sustainability standards in the airport industry. This distinction highlights an operating model where water conservation is not only a technical practice, but also a strategic decision.

🌍Because flying into the future also means caring for the planet.

Quiport was recognized in the IV Ranking of Entrepreneurs and Companies Committed to Sustainability in Ecuador, prepared by Metro Ecuador in collaboration with its parent company, Metro World News. This study recognizes those who promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and work in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda.

In this edition, Quiport ranked 19th among 32 companies recognized for their commitment to sustainability and for contributing to the country’s transformation through responsible and ethical management.

The ranking was constructed from a survey of managers, representatives of the private sector, academia, international organizations, and chambers specializing in sustainability, considering companies with an annual turnover of more than $5 million in Ecuador.

“The fact that Quiport is included in this ranking alongside renowned companies in the country reaffirms our conviction that sustainability is an essential part of our direction and motivates us to continue managing an airport aligned with high standards of responsibility, excellence, and respect for the environment and the community,” said Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Quiport.