Airport Overview

The “Eloy Alfaro” International Airport serves the city of Manta, Ecuador (IATA: MEC, ICAO: SEMT).  The airport is a mixed-use facility, operating civilian and military air services. It is designated as the alternate airport to Quito and Guayaquil airport.  At present, this Manabi airport remains operational with the Quito-Manta-Quito routes, with the service of the Latam and Avianca Airlines. Recently remodeled after a long wait after the 2016 earthquake the Manta International Airport has a new 5,000 square meter terminal, a new nine-story high control tower, parking for more than 130 vehicles, an aircraft parking platform of more than 14,000 square meters, a new access road and additional works that became operational in February 2021 with passengers on the Quito - Manta - Quito route.

Korea Airports Corporation KAC signed a contract with the Ecuadorian government at the end of June 2021 to take on full ownership of Manta Airport and the incorporation for the next 30 years (2021-2050). This will be KAC’s first overseas airport among the 15 airports the firm operates.

The airport, also known as Eloy Alfaro Air Base, is the fourth-busiest airport in Ecuador. Due to its strategic location, the Eloy Alfaro Air Base and the Manta Naval Air Station operate on the runway of this airport. The military air force base is located in an area attached to the provisional passenger air terminal of the International Airport. A portion of the airport was used until July 2009 by the Air Forces Southern Air Force component of the United States Southern Command, for operations against drug trafficking in north western South America. Buildings and platforms were built for the use of the US military and runway 05/23 was rebuilt using more resistant material in order to support the operations of the world's heaviest aircraft, both civil and military.

Later the Ecuador and U.S. governments did not to renew the military airport agreement that allows access and use of the base and in 2009 US forces left the facilities.

Airport Picture

Source: www.eluniverso.com, passenger terminal at Manta airport. Photo: Neptalí Palma

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

1. The Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) is a Korean state firm that manages 15 international airports, including Manta International Airport.
2. UN789 Ocean Airway. This is the name given to the Manta - Tahiti Airway. This airway connects the Asia Pacific region to the South American Region; that is, from Tahiti (French Polynesia) - Tahiti International Airport (NTAA), to Ecuador - Manta International Airport (SEMT) on the northwest coast of Ecuador, being the most salient geographical point towards Asia from South America.

Source: revistademanabi.com Joselías Sánchez Ramos, 2021

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Not available.

Runway

The runway 05/23 was rebuilt using more resistant material in order to support the operations of the world's heaviest aircraft, both civil and military.

Helicopter Pad(s)

Yes.  Manta Naval Air Station and Base Militar Manta. Information is unavailable.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Recently remodeled after a long wait after the 2016 earthquake, the Manta International Airport has a new 5,000 square meter terminal, a new nine-story high control tower, parking for more than 130 vehicles, an aircraft parking platform of more than 14,000 square meters, a new access road and additional works that became operational in February 2021 with passengers on the Quito - Manta - Quito route.

Airport Operating Details

Storage Facilities

N/A

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

N/A

Fuel Service Charges

The only fuelling station is Ecuafuel , the  station belongs to PETROECUADOR, an Ecuadorian state company.  In this station large amount of fuel is available.

(*) The above are referential prices and were obtained from Petrocomercial information (GoE fuel supplier). In the private sector, each retailer may vary its prices.

Cargo Terminal Charges

Airport construction is in progress.

Air-Bridge Charges

N/A

Security

N/A