Starting in June, Air Europa will introduce direct routes between its hub at Madrid-Barajas Airport and the airports of Guayaquil and Quito. 

Beginning June 24, the airline will operate three weekly flights to each of these cities on a permanent basis. Until then, it will continue to operate its triangular route from Madrid. Air Europa has made more than 78,000 seats available on each of these routes this year—an increase of up to 8% compared to 2024—bringing the total number of seats available to Ecuador to over 157,000. Additionally, thanks to an agreement with Avianca, passengers will have access to domestic connections to Cuenca and Manta, as well as to the islands of Baltra and San Cristóbal in the Galápagos archipelago. Air Europa operates its transatlantic flights with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

Starting January 16, 2025, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito has rolled out biometric E-gates for passengers departing on international flights. These gates have been in use for international arrivals since December 2023.

The E-gates streamline immigration processes for Ecuadorian citizens traveling internationally, significantly reducing wait times and cutting down long lines at traditional immigration counters.

Who Can Use the Biometric Gates?

The E-gates are available for Ecuadorian citizens who meet the following criteria:

• Are of legal age.

• Possess an electronic or biometric passport or a valid Ecuadorian ID (cédula).

How to Use the E-Gates

1. Start the process: Tap the touchscreen and press "Start."

2. Scan your boarding pass: Use the QR code on your pass.

3. Choose your ID: Select whether to use your cédula or passport, then scan the MRZ code (found in the bottom-right section of these documents).

4. Facial verification: The system will take a photo of your face to validate your identity.

If everything checks out with no issues or alerts, the gates will open, allowing you to continue your journey. Otherwise, the screen will direct you to a nearby immigration counter for assistance from a migration officer.

Destinations and Document Requirements

• With ID (cédula): Direct flights to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

• With Passport Only: Flights to Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.

Important: If your trip involves a layover in countries like Panama, a passport is mandatory, even if your final destination is one of the countries where a cédula is accepted.

Biometric Gates for International Arrivals

For travelers arriving in Ecuador, the biometric gates can be used regardless of the origin of their flight.

Quick and Convenient

According to Quiport, the airport’s operator, the entire biometric gate process takes between 30 seconds and one minute per traveler.

The introduction of these gates marks a significant step forward in improving efficiency and convenience for passengers at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Source: Primicias.