Lago Agrio Airport

Lago Agrio Airport is not just a regional transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is here that a breathtaking journey begins for those keen to see the wildlife of the famous Cuyabeno Reserve or explore the mysterious jungles of Sucumbíos province. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a strategically vital role, connecting this remote and resource-rich corner of the country with the outside world.

One of the main features of the airport is its exceptional proximity to the city — the drive to the centre of Nueva Loja takes literally 5–10 minutes, making logistics maximally convenient for travellers. The terminal underwent a major renovation in 2010, transforming from a simple structure into a modern, albeit small, building with air-conditioned halls and a basic range of services. Thanks to its compactness, all procedures here are very quick, without the bustle characteristic of capital hubs. The airport serves not only tourists but is also an important link for the region's oil industry, so regular flights from Quito as well as private charters can often be seen here.

You can contact representatives of Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ) in several ways. It is important to remember that this is a small regional airport, so some specialised services customary for large international hubs may be absent, or their functions are performed by the general administration.

• Official Website: At the moment, Lago Agrio Airport does not have its own separate website. The main official source of information is the portal of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador (Dirección General de Aviación Civil - DGAC), which manages the airport.
• Information Desk Phone: You can call the main airport number for general information: +593 6 283-01-15.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto de Lago Agrio, Nueva Loja, Ecuador.
• Email: A specialised email address for general enquiries is not provided. For questions related to flights, it is recommended to contact the airline directly.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: All issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage are handled directly by the airlines. Please contact your carrier's support service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with booking, ticket changes, flight check-in, and other aspects of your flight, contact your airline. For general questions regarding terminal operations, use the information desk phone.

Getting to Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ) from the city centre of Nueva Loja is effortless, as it is located very close by. The most popular and convenient method is taxi or moto-taxi (a three-wheeled motorcycle with a passenger cabin). The journey takes just 5–10 minutes depending on your location. The cost is generally low, amounting to just a few dollars. Important tip: always agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings. This option is ideal if you are travelling with luggage or value comfort.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is the option to use public transport. Although there are no special shuttle buses to the airport, city buses or minibuses may pass nearby. This is the cheapest way, costing less than a dollar. However, be prepared to wait a little for the bus, and you may need to walk from the stop. This option is better suited for those travelling light who possess at least basic Spanish skills.

If you plan to explore Sucumbíos province and the surrounding areas on your own, car rental is an excellent solution. There are several rental agencies in Nueva Loja, and you can collect the car in advance or arrange for it to be delivered to the airport. Parking is available near the Lago Agrio airport terminal, where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods. This is convenient if you are flying into Ecuador and immediately wish to embark on a journey through the Amazon region.

Many tourists arrive in Nueva Loja for onward travel into the Amazon jungle. In this case, the most carefree option is a pre-booked transfer. Most hotels and tour operators organising tours to national parks offer airport pick-up. Usually, the transfer is already included in the package price. This is the simplest and safest way to get to your hotel or excursion starting point, especially if you arrive late in the evening.

Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ) is a small regional airport, so its structure is very simple and intuitive for passengers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to its compact size, navigating it is very easy, and you will not have to worry about long walks or complex maps.

The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, in close proximity to each other. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters of the few airlines operating on this route. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small waiting lounge where the boarding gate is located. The arrivals area consists of a small hall with a luggage belt, which is located near the exit of the airport building.

A distinctive feature of the terminal is its simplicity and functionality. There is no wide variety of shops or restaurants here as in major international hubs, but there is everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: seats in the waiting area and, typically, a small kiosk with snacks and drinks. All navigation comes down to following the few signs or simply the flow of other passengers.

Check-in and security screening procedures at Lago Agrio Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. Queues here are a rarity, making travel through this airport maximally comfortable and predictable.

The history of Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ) is inextricably linked with one of the key events in the economic life of Ecuador — the discovery of rich oil deposits in the Amazon region. The airport was built in the early 1970s to serve the rapidly growing oil industry. Its main task was to ensure fast and reliable logistics: the delivery of personnel, equipment, and cargo to the difficult-to-access terrain where the city of Nueva Loja was emerging. Initially, it was a simple airstrip serving the needs of foreign oil companies.

As the city grew and the region developed, the airport gradually transformed from a departmental airfield into an important regional transport hub. It began receiving regular commercial flights, linking Sucumbíos province with the capital and other major cities of the country. This transition marked a new stage in the airport's development, making it accessible not only to oil industry workers but also to ordinary residents and tourists wishing to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon.

A key moment in the modern history of the airport was the massive reconstruction completed in the mid-2010s. Within the framework of this project, the infrastructure was completely rebuilt: a new modern passenger terminal was erected, a new control tower was built, and the runway was modernised. These improvements allowed the airport to meet modern safety and comfort standards, as well as increase its capacity.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is related to its name. "Lago Agrio" is the Spanish translation of "Sour Lake". This region was given this name by American oil workers from the Texaco company in honour of their hometown, Sour Lake in Texas. Thus, the name of the airport and the city serves as a unique historical reminder of the events that led to their founding. Today, the airport is not only the "gateway" to the oil fields but also the starting point for travellers heading to the famous Cuyabeno Reserve and other corners of the wilderness.

Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ), serving the city of Nueva Loja, is a small regional airport that offers passengers a set of basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Given its compact size, the infrastructure here is focused on the essentials.

For those wishing to have a snack before departure, a small café or snack bar usually operates in the terminal, where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and light refreshments. The selection of shops is limited, but there is typically a kiosk selling essential goods and local souvenirs. Separate VIP lounges or business class waiting rooms are absent at the airport.

Passengers can access Wi-Fi, although the connection may be limited by time or speed. Power outlets are provided in the waiting lounge for charging electronic devices, but their number may be limited. If you need local currency, an ATM may be installed in the terminal. However, full-fledged bank branches and currency exchange points are absent here, so it is recommended to exchange money in the city in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and accessible toilets. Nevertheless, for special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. There are no special play areas for passengers with small children, but standard amenities, including restrooms, are available. In case of necessity, basic medical assistance can be obtained at the airport.

There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres within the Lago Agrio Airport grounds. The nearest hotels and business services can be found in the city of Nueva Loja, which is a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ), serving the city of Nueva Loja, is a small regional airport, so dining options here are quite modest and designed for basic passenger needs. One should not expect a wide variety of restaurants or cafés as seen in major international hubs.

Typically, a small cafeteria or kiosk operates in the single airport terminal, located in the main waiting hall, before security control (landside). There are usually no dining zones after screening, so it is better to have a snack beforehand. The assortment in such establishments usually includes:

• Hot and cold beverages: coffee, tea, water, juices, soft drinks.
• Light snacks: crisps, biscuits, chocolate.
• Simple pastries and packaged sandwiches.
• Sometimes local snacks can be found, for example, empanadas (filled pastries).

Specialised meals, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free options, are likely to be unavailable on the menu. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. The opening hours of the local cafeteria are directly tied to the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before departure and closes shortly after the aircraft leaves. Prices are moderate, but, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city.

Thus, Lago Agrio Airport offers options for a quick snack or purchasing a drink before the flight. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat at one of the restaurants in Nueva Loja before arriving at the airport.

Planning a trip through Lago Agrio Airport (LGQ) in the city of Nueva Loja becomes easier with a few useful tips. Despite it being a small regional airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before the departure of your domestic flight. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without haste.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or security screening. The screening procedure here is standard: be prepared to present liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag and remove electronics from your hand luggage. Politeness and readiness to cooperate with staff always speed up the process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, especially on flights to Quito, it is worth opting for a window seat. Flights from this region of Ecuador often pass over the picturesque landscapes of the Amazon and the foothills of the Andes, so breathtaking views will open up to you, serving as an excellent start or finish to your journey.

Hand luggage rules are standard: sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers over 100 ml are prohibited. Additionally, remember the country's strict rules on protecting unique ecosystems — do not transport untreated seeds, plants, or products of animal origin without the appropriate permit to avoid problems at control.

Lago Agrio Airport is rarely used for direct international transfers. Most likely, your flight from here is the start of a journey to a major hub, for example, in Quito. If you have a subsequent transfer to an international flight, ensure you have sufficient time between flights (at least 3 hours) to calmly go through all procedures, collect luggage, and check it in again.

Customs control is passed only at the first point of entry into the country during an international flight. Since Lago Agrio Airport serves mainly domestic flights, passengers do not pass customs here. You will go through all formalities at the international airport of arrival, for example, in Quito or Guayaquil.

To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling with hand luggage only to avoid baggage fees. Also, take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and light snacks, as the choice in a small airport may be limited.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Given the modest size of the airport, there may not be many cafés or shops here. Therefore, in case of a long wait, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and films or music downloaded to your device.