Strengthening coordination among airport operators, authorities, airlines and the private sector is key to promoting the development of airport cities capable of generating investment, employment and productive linkages. This was one of the main conclusions reached during ACI Airport Day Quito, an international event that brought together experts from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America in Ecuador’s capital to discuss the role of airports in the competitiveness and urban planning of cities.
The event, during which several announcements related to infrastructure and connectivity at Quito Airport were also made, was organized by the Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) and hosted by Mariscal Sucre International Airport, under the leadership of Quiport, its concessionaire.
Throughout the day, specialists and industry representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Panama and Ecuador shared experiences and analyzed global trends that are redefining the role of airports as platforms for economic, logistics and urban development.
The discussions highlighted the importance of identifying economic development opportunities around airports, promoting benefits for both cities and airport terminals in the short and long term, strengthening dialogue with authorities and communities, and encouraging innovation processes that help consolidate competitive and sustainable airport ecosystems.
In this context, several panelists also highlighted the interest generated by the development and management model of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which is considered an example of how a modern and well-managed airport infrastructure can become a driver of international connectivity, logistics development and economic growth.
Infrastructure and connectivity announcements for Quito Airport
During the event, Quiport announced new investments to strengthen the infrastructure of Mariscal Sucre International Airport. According to the airport’s Master Plan, the expansion of the cargo terminal with an additional 5,000 square meters, the addition of a new cargo aircraft stand and the reconfiguration of the truck waiting area are planned, with the aim of improving logistics efficiency and supporting the growth of Ecuador’s foreign trade. According to the document, these expansions are expected to be completed by 2030.
At present, Quiport is working on the project to determine the development phases and establish the most appropriate investment amount and structure.
Additionally, it was announced that new international air connections, both passenger and cargo routes, will be revealed in the coming months, as part of the strategy to further strengthen the country’s air connectivity.
Pabel Muñoz, Mayor of Quito
“Among the many good things our city can showcase is Quito’s airport. We are pleased that from Quito we can think about the concept of airport cities.”
Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Quiport:
“We are very pleased that Quito hosted ACI Airport Day and that we were able to welcome high-level experts from different regions of the world to discuss the concept of airport cities. Events like this bring to Ecuador a strategic conversation about how airport infrastructure can integrate with urban dynamics and become a driver of connectivity, investment and new opportunities. Airport cities represent a vision of the future in which airports evolve into platforms that foster economic growth and competitiveness for cities and countries,”
Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC,
“ACI Airport Day brings together airports, authorities and companies to exchange experiences and discuss how to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector. Quito is an ideal setting to discuss airport cities and their impact on the region’s economic development.”