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Mariscal Sucre International Airport, formerly known as Quito Airport, was located in the northern part of the city, in the Chaupicruz parish, within five minutes of Quito's financial center. The airport was in the middle of the city, surrounded by mountains, which made it difficult to expand and accommodate larger aircraft or increased air traffic. The old airport was also known for its cramped runway, high altitude, and steep approach angle, making it one of the most challenging and dangerous airports in Latin America. Due to these reasons, a new airport was built about 11 miles east of the city, and the old airport was replaced in February 2013.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Mariscal Sucre International Airport |
| Location | Chaupicruz parish, northern part of Quito, Ecuador |
| Year Opened | 1960 |
| Year Closed | 2013 |
| Area Covered | 150 ha |
| Altitude | 2,800 metres or 8,700 feet |
| Number of Terminals | 3 (A, B, and C) |
| Number of Runways | 1 |
| Notable Features | High altitude, cramped runway, surrounded by mountains and urban development |
| Accidents and Incidents | Several, including crashes and aircraft skidding off the runway |
| Current Status | Site of Parque Bicentenario, the biggest urban park in Quito |
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What You'll Learn
The old airport was located in the middle of a city surrounded by mountains
The old airport in Quito, Ecuador, was located in the middle of a city surrounded by mountains. It was officially known as the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and was named after Venezuelan-born Antonio José de Sucre, a hero of Ecuadorian and Latin American independence. The airport was one of the highest in the world, sitting at an elevation of nearly 8,700 feet (2,800-2,850 meters) above mean sea level. This high altitude, combined with a cramped runway and surrounding mountains, made landings and takeoffs challenging for pilots and nerve-wracking for passengers and residents. The airport's location also subjected it to strong wind currents.
Due to its location in the middle of the city, the old airport faced limitations in terms of expansion to accommodate growing air traffic. It covered an area of 150 hectares, while the new airport is built on a 1,500-hectare site, ten times larger than the old airport. The old airport's cramped runway, surrounded by urban development, made it difficult to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing air traffic. The limited space also constrained the size of the passenger terminal, car park, aircraft servicing, and cargo facilities.
The old airport's location in the city centre posed safety risks, as it was surrounded by residential neighbourhoods. Several serious accidents and incidents occurred during its operation, including aircraft skidding off the runway and crashing into nearby buildings. The high altitude and steep approach angle required for landing and takeoff further contributed to the challenges and risks associated with the airport's location.
The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, located about 11-18 miles (18-20 kilometres) east of Quito, replaced the old airport in February 2013. The new airport is situated in a valley, offering a safer and more spacious alternative. It features modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, a VIP lounge, and a playground. Additionally, it houses an open-to-the-public mall with various shops, restaurants, banks, and other conveniences. The relocation of the airport has also brought economic benefits to the city and the country, with significant growth in international passengers and exports.
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It was one of the world's most dangerous airports
The former Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, has been described as one of the world's most dangerous airports. The airport was located in the middle of a mountainous city, which posed a challenge for pilots due to the high altitude and strong wind currents. The elevation of the airport was nearly 8,700 feet (2,850 meters), which is an oxygen-thin altitude that affected aircraft performance during takeoff and landing. The cramped runway surrounded by the city also made landings difficult and increased the risk of accidents.
Several serious incidents and crashes occurred at the old Mariscal Sucre International Airport over the years. On October 27, 2009, an Ecuadorian Air Force HAL Dhruv helicopter crashed during display maneuvers, with the pilots sustaining minor injuries. On March 19, 2009, an Ecuadorian Air Force Beechcraft B200 King Air struck a building in the Guápulo district of Quito, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants and two people on the ground. Additionally, on September 23, 2008, an Icaro Air Fokker F28 Mk4000 skidded off the runway, and on November 9, 2007, an Iberia Airbus A340-600 slid off the runway and stopped in the runway safety area. These incidents highlighted the dangers associated with the airport's location and limited infrastructure.
The old airport was surrounded by urban development, with limited scope for expansion to accommodate growing air traffic in Ecuador. It covered an area of 150 hectares, in contrast to the new airport, which is ten times larger at 1,500 hectares. The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located about 11 miles >(18 kilometers) east of Quito in the Tababela parish, providing much-needed space for expansion and improved safety measures.
The closure of the old airport and the opening of the new one have significantly impacted the city of Quito. The former airport site has been transformed into Parque Bicentenario, the biggest urban park in the city. Additionally, the new airport has boosted the local economy, with a significant increase in international passengers and exports. The modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a VIP lounge, have enhanced the overall travel experience for passengers.
In summary, the old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito was considered one of the world's most dangerous airports due to its challenging location, high altitude, cramped runway, and surrounding urban development. The numerous incidents and crashes further emphasized the need for a safer and more expansive airport. The new airport has successfully addressed these concerns, improving safety and capacity while also driving economic growth for the city and country.
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The airport was cramped, with limited expansion capabilities
The old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, was located in the middle of the city, with limited space for expansion. The airport covered an area of 150 hectares, which was insufficient to accommodate the growing air traffic in Ecuador, driven by increasing tourism. With Quito's urban development surrounding the airport on all sides, there was no room to expand the facility to handle larger aircraft or the increasing number of passengers.
The old airport was constrained by its cramped layout, with a small passenger terminal, a short runway, limited car parking, and inadequate aircraft servicing and cargo facilities. The runway was surrounded by the city, making landings challenging for pilots and nerve-wracking for passengers and residents living nearby. The high altitude of the airport, at 2,800 meters (8,700 feet) above mean sea level, further added to the complexity of landings and takeoffs, requiring higher speeds and longer takeoff distances.
The limited expansion capabilities of the old airport posed safety risks, as it could not accommodate the increasing air traffic or larger aircraft. The airport was surrounded by mountains, forcing aircraft to approach at a steep angle, and the high altitude affected aircraft performance. These factors contributed to several serious accidents and incidents over the years, including crashes and aircraft skidding off the runway.
The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which opened in February 2013, addressed these challenges by relocating to a larger site about 11-18 miles >(18-20 kilometers) east of Quito. The new airport is ten times larger than the old one, with a longer runway and modern amenities. It is located in a valley, away from the mountains, providing a safer approach for aircraft. The new airport has also boosted the local economy, with annual growth in international passengers and exports.
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It was replaced by a new airport in 2013
The old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, was replaced by a new airport in 2013. The new airport, also called Mariscal Sucre International Airport, opened on 20 February 2013, and the old airport ceased all operations the previous evening.
The old airport was located in the middle of the city, with limited space for expansion. It was surrounded by mountains, which, in addition to the high altitude and cramped runway, made for challenging and nerve-wracking landings. The old airport was the site of several serious accidents and incidents, including crashes and aircraft sliding off the runway.
The new airport is located on the Oyambaro plain near the town of Tababela, about 18 kilometres (11 miles) east of Quito. It was built on a 1,500-hectare site, which is ten times larger than the old airport. The new airport features modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, a VIP lounge, and a playground for children. It also has an open-to-the-public mall with restaurants, banks, a 24-hour pharmacy, and shops.
The old airport has not been abandoned; the old terminal buildings are being used for office space by Quito Tourism and a shuttle bus company that offers service to and from the new airport. The majority of the old airport site has been turned into Parque Bicentenario, the biggest urban park in Quito.
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The old airport is now used as office space and a public park
The old Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, was located in the Chaupicruz parish, in the northern part of the city. It was surrounded by urban development, with limited space for expansion. The airport was known for its high altitude, cramped runway, and proximity to towering volcanos, making it one of the most challenging and dangerous airports in Latin America. Due to these factors, several serious accidents and incidents occurred over the years, including crashes and aircraft skidding off the runway.
In February 2013, a new Mariscal Sucre International Airport was opened about 11 miles 18 kilometers east of Quito. The new airport is much bigger, with a longer runway, and is located in a valley, away from the mountains. The new airport can handle a larger number of passengers and has modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a VIP lounge.
The old airport has not been abandoned and is now used for office space by Quito Tourism and a shuttle bus company that offers services to and from the new airport. Additionally, most of the land that the old airport occupied will be turned into a public park, with the runway becoming a grassy esplanade. The former airport site is now also home to Parque Bicentenario, the biggest urban park in Quito.
The new airport has brought economic benefits to the city and the country, with an increase in international passengers and exports. The construction of taller buildings near the park is also anticipated, with the revised code allowing buildings up to 40 stories high.
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Frequently asked questions
The old Mariscal Sucre International Airport was located in the northern part of the city, in the Chaupicruz parish, within five minutes of Quito's financial center.
The old airport opened in 1960.
The old airport was limited in several areas, including a small passenger terminal, a short runway, and limited parking. It was also surrounded by mountains and urban development, making it difficult to expand to accommodate larger aircraft and increased air traffic.
The old airport ceased all operations on February 19, 2013, with the new airport opening the following day.
The former airport site has been turned into Parque Bicentenario, the biggest urban park in Quito. The old terminal buildings are used for office space by Quito Tourism and a shuttle bus company.
