Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport

Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a true grand gateway to the "Pearl of the Pacific" and the mysterious Galapagos Islands. This modern terminal, repeatedly recognised as one of the best in South America, breaks stereotypes about dull waiting halls by offering travellers bright spaces and intuitive navigation. Located practically in the heart of the city, it allows you to begin your acquaintance with the Ecuadorian atmosphere just 15 minutes after landing.

Recognised Quality and Comfort

Guayaquil Airport regularly ranks at the top of Airport Service Quality (ASQ) ratings by the Airports Council International (ACI) in its category. Passengers note the exceptional cleanliness of the terminal, the courtesy of the staff, and the efficiency of security procedures. Here, you will not encounter the chaos of massive hubs, but you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait.

Convenient Logistics

One of the airport's main features is its unique location within the city limits. A trip to the famous Malecon 2000 waterfront or the business centre takes only 10–15 minutes by taxi, which is incredibly convenient for tourists who have a long layover.

Gateway to the Galapagos

For most travellers heading to the unique archipelago, Guayaquil becomes a mandatory point on the route. The airport is ideally adapted for this transit, offering convenient connections and services to prepare for your encounter with wildlife.

Leisure Infrastructure

The terminal is equipped with excellent VIP lounges (such as the Aeropuertos VIP Club), which are accessible not only to business class passengers but also to holders of certain bank cards or for a separate fee. The Duty Free area, while compact, offers a good selection of local chocolate, coffee, and souvenirs, which make for excellent gifts from Ecuador.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. We recommend always checking the validity of the data on official resources before travelling.

• Official Airport Website: www.tagsa.aero or www.aeropuertodeguayaquil.com (both sites provide official information from the airport operator).
• Information Desk Phone: +593 4 216 9000. This is the main number for general information about flights, services, and airport operations.
• Airport Address: Av. de las Américas, Guayaquil 090513, Ecuador.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address info@tagsa.aero. A response may take some time.
• Airport Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on popular social networks, where it publishes current news and answers questions. You can find them by searching for "Aeropuerto de Guayaquil" on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the airport's Lost and Found service (Oficina de Objetos Perdidos).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions related to airport services, simply calling the main information desk number is sufficient.

Getting to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) from the city centre of Guayaquil is effortless, as it is located just 5 kilometres from the business and tourist heart of the city. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. A trip from the city centre will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a trip in an official yellow taxi or via apps like Uber and Cabify is usually between 5 and 10 US Dollars. It is recommended to use the services of official carriers to ensure safety and fair pricing. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with luggage or in a group.

Public Transport. For budget-conscious travellers, the Metrovía rapid transit bus system is an excellent choice. Although there is no direct stop inside the airport, the nearest station is a few minutes' walk from the terminal. To pay for the fare, you will need to purchase a reloadable card. The cost of the trip is symbolic — less than 1 US Dollar. This option is suitable for those travelling light who wish to experience the public transport system of Ecuador. Travel time, including waiting and walking, may take 30-40 minutes.

Car Rental and Parking. If you prefer complete freedom of movement, offices of many international and local car rental companies are located at Guayaquil Airport. You can both pick up and return a car directly at the airport. For those arriving in their own or a rented car, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking with different rates.

Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil is a modern and convenient complex that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveller. In fact, there is only one passenger terminal here, which serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal has a simple and logical structure. It is divided into two main zones: for Domestic (Nacional) and International (Internacional) flights. The layout is standard for many modern airports: the departure area with check-in counters and security checkpoints is located on the upper floor, while the arrival area, where baggage claim and passport control for international flights take place, is on the ground floor. Transition between zones is done on foot inside the building, which is very convenient for connecting flights.

Check-in and security procedures at Guayaquil Airport generally proceed quite quickly and are well-organised. Nevertheless, it is recommended to adhere to standard rules: arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass security screening, and clear passport control without rushing.

For ease of navigation, clear signs in Spanish and English are placed throughout the terminal. If you have any questions, you can always approach staff at the information desks. Thanks to its compactness and thoughtful layout, orienting yourself in Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport will be effortless.

The history of Guayaquil Airport is a vivid example of successful modernisation and development. Originally known as Simon Bolivar International Airport, it served as the city's main air gateway for many years. However, with the growth of passenger traffic and the development of aviation, the old terminal ceased to meet modern requirements, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

A key moment was 2006, when a new, modern passenger terminal was grandly opened. This event coincided with the renaming of the airport in honour of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo — a distinguished poet, the first mayor of Guayaquil, and a former president of Ecuador. The project was implemented under a concession, which allowed for significant investment and the introduction of advanced technologies in management and service.

Thanks to the large-scale reconstruction, Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport quickly gained international recognition. It has repeatedly received prestigious awards from the Airports Council International (ACI) as the "Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean" in its category. These achievements are a direct consequence of thoughtful planning, high service quality, and passenger comfort.

One of the most interesting facts in the modern history of the airport is related to the fate of the old building. Instead of demolishing it, city authorities decided to repurpose it. Today, the former terminal has been transformed into the modern Guayaquil Convention Centre (Centro de Convenciones de Guayaquil), where major international exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events are held, serving as an excellent example of the sensible use of urban infrastructure.

Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil offers passengers a full range of services, making the wait for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. In the terminal, you will find many establishments to suit any taste: from cafes with aromatic Ecuadorian coffee and fast-food outlets to restaurants where you can have a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops offering perfumery and international goods, as well as souvenir stalls where you can buy memorable gifts, local handicrafts, and famous chocolate.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Numerous charging stations for gadgets are located in the waiting lounges, so you can always recharge your phone or laptop. Passengers travelling in business class or willing to pay extra for comfort can use the VIP lounges. They offer a private environment, complimentary beverages, snacks, and fresh press. Business centres and conference rooms are also provided for business travellers.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are mother-and-child rooms and play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance, ramps, and adapted restrooms. In case of necessity, a medical centre operates round the clock at the airport to provide first aid. Financial matters can be settled at bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you won't have to travel far to find accommodation. Several hotels of various price categories are located right on the airport grounds and in the immediate vicinity, offering convenient lodging and, in some cases, free transfers to the terminal.

At Guayaquil's Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport, passengers have access to a decent selection of establishments for a snack or a full meal. International fast-food chains as well as cafes offering local cuisine are represented here.

The main dining area is located in the public part of the terminal (landside), on the upper floor, before security control. Here you will find a food court featuring well-known chains such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, as well as the popular Ecuadorian coffee shop Sweet & Coffee. This is an excellent place if you have plenty of time before departure or are meeting arrivals. Prices here are generally slightly lower than in the secure area.

After passing passport and customs control (airside), in the departure halls for domestic and international flights, the selection is somewhat smaller but sufficient for a comfortable wait. Bars, small cafes, and restaurants, such as Johnny Rockets, operate here. You can order sandwiches, pastries, salads, as well as hot and cold beverages. This is a convenient option for those who want a snack immediately before boarding the flight.

If you want to experience local gastronomy, be sure to visit Sweet & Coffee. It is not just a coffee shop, but a calling card of Ecuador. Here you can try excellent local coffee, traditional pastries like empanadas (stuffed pastries) or humitas (steamed corn mass wrapped in leaves). Simplified versions of national dishes can also be found in some restaurants.

Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, while some key spots in the food court and coffee shops are open 24 hours. For passengers with specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, most cafes offer meat-free salads, fruits, and pastries. Finding certified gluten-free or Halal dishes might be challenging, so it is better to clarify ingredients with the staff. The price range at the airport is higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most air terminals worldwide.

Travelling through Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport will be easier and more pleasant if you prepare in advance. Here are a few tips to help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary stress in one of the busiest airports in Ecuador.

Arrival Time and Check-in
For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. This will give you enough time in case of queues. To speed up the process, complete online check-in on the airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to proceed directly to security control.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage
When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities: a window seat will offer you breathtaking views of Guayaquil during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. Regarding hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Always check the current rules of your airline to avoid unpleasant surprises at security.

Passengers with Connections and Customs
If you have a connecting flight in Guayaquil, clarify during your initial check-in whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is quite convenient for transit, but always allow extra time for formalities. When entering the country, be prepared to fill out a customs declaration (usually handed out on the plane) and honestly declare all items subject to declaration.

Saving Time and Money
To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks in the "clean zone" are traditionally higher. Also, try not to exchange large sums of money at the airport — the exchange rate here is generally less favourable than in city exchange bureaus or banks.

If the Flight is Delayed
In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter. Staff will provide current information and explain your rights to compensation (vouchers for food, drinks, or even a hotel for long waits). There are several cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi in the airport to help pass the time.