Quito Airport brought together international experts to discuss the development of airport cities | News
Strengthening coordination between airport operators, authorities, airlines and the private sector is crucial to promoting the development of airport cities that can generate investment, employment and productive links. This was one of the main conclusions during ACI Airport Day Quito, an international event that brought together experts from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America in the capital of Ecuador to discuss the role of airports in the competitiveness and urban planning of cities.
The event, which also saw several announcements regarding infrastructure and connectivity at Quito Airport, was organized by the Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) and hosted by Mariscal Sucre International Airport, led by Quiport, its concessionaire.
During 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.
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 an engine 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 by another 5,000 square meters, the addition of a new cargo aircraft stand and the redesign of the truck waiting area are planned, with the aim of improving logistics efficiency and supporting the growth of Ecuador’s foreign trade. These expansions are expected to be completed by 2030, according to the document.
Quiport is currently working on the project to determine the development phases and determine the most appropriate investment amount and structure.
Furthermore, it was announced that new international air links, both passenger and freight routes, will be unveiled in the coming months, as part of the strategy to further strengthen the country’s air connectivity.
Pabel Muñoz, mayor of Quito
“One of the many good things that our city can show is Quito Airport. We are happy 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 the ACI Airport Day and that we could welcome high-level experts from different parts of the world to discuss the concept of airport cities. Events like these bring to Ecuador a strategic conversation on how airport infrastructure can integrate with urban dynamics and become an engine of connectivity, investments and new opportunities. Airport cities represent a vision of the future in which airports evolve into platforms that promote economic growth and competitiveness of 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 economic development of the region.”
