National COE authorises increase of capacity at Ecuadorian airports

Credit: Quiport

The National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) authorised the increase of capacity from 50 per cent to 100 per cent in the pre-boarding and arrival areas of airports in Ecuador, in response to a recommendation made in recent days by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP). The resolution, adopted on 25 October 2021, also indicates that the capacity in the public areas of the air terminals is to increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent.

The high vaccination coverage in Ecuador, as well as the fact that only travellers with a negative PCR test or who already have full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter the country have been the determining factors to allow the increase of capacity. Additionally, a decisive factor has been the correct application of sanitary protection measures at the country’s airports, and particularly at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) – as confirmed by the President of the National COE, Juan Zapata, and the Undersecretary of Air Transport, José Luis Aguilar in a recent inspection of Quito’s airport facilities. The officials then pledged to review the permitted airport capacity and to adapt them to the new reality present in the country.

The measure also applies to the capacity of restaurants and commercial stores located in public areas (increase to 75 per cent) and in pre-boarding and arrival areas (increase to 100 per cent). Corporación Quiport is carrying out all the necessary planning and the change of signage so that the increase in capacity is carried out in an orderly manner within the next few days.

“This is excellent news that confirms that we are beginning to leave this painful COVID-19 pandemic behind and represents an important impulse to continue reactivating the air transport sector and other activities that depend on aviation, such as tourism,” said Ramón Miró, President and General Director of Corporación Quiport, who also highlighted the collaborative work between the National COE, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, and the Municipality of Quito through the Metropolitan Public Airport Services Company. 

Thermal inspections in the entrances to the terminal will be maintained, as well as the verification of the requirements to enter the country or to travel to Galapagos. It is important to insist that both passengers, visitors, and airport personnel must continue to observe health protection measures such as the correct use of the mask and hand disinfection