We spoke during ALTA AGM 2026 with Peter Cerda, executive director of ALTA, who analyzes the opening of cabotage in Ecuador and the low possibilities of foreign airlines operating domestic flights in the country.
Within the framework of the coverage carried out during the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2026 on Mexico City, we maintained an exclusive dialogue with Peter Cerda, executive director of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (HIGH).
In this conversation, The union leader analyzed the real scope of the new Organic Law of Civil Aviation (LOAC) from Ecuador, the opening of cabotage to international airlines and the structural factors that determine the competitiveness of the Ecuadorian market.
The opening of cabotage: an unlikely measure in practice
When asked about the opportunities generated by the New Civil Aviation Law by allowing international operators to carry out domestic flights in Ecuador, Cerdá adopted a pragmatic stance regarding regulatory trends in the region.
«It is a trend that we see in several countries in the region. I keep saying: removing or modernizing regulations is important, but opening domestic cabotage does not guarantee anything and the possibility of it happening is very low. We have to be consistent: Ecuador is a small market where primary and secondary companies are already operating. We cannot have the illusion that we are going to find airlines that are going to operate cabotage, because in the current world scenario, with fuel costs so high, "I see it as very unlikely.", noted Peter Cerdá.
Given the hypothetical scenario that a foreign operator decided to venture into national sections such as Quito – Guayaquil, the director of ALTA questioned the commercial viability and the real impact for the user:
"It's hard to even bring it up.". Put a flight between Quito and Guayaquil… what profitability is there?, what benefit? I think the impact would be minimal.".
costs, taxes and tourism competitiveness
Beyond regulatory frameworks on traffic rights, Cerdá emphasized that the competitiveness of Ecuadorian aviation depends on structural factors, mainly linked to the tax burden and the airport taxes.
Although he recognized the efforts made by the country in terms of tourism promotion, warned about the risks of making air operations more expensive:
«The country has done very good things in recent years to encourage tourism. When the two taxes were reduced [Eco Delta and Tourist Power], the traveler began to fly more. But the reality is that increasing costs is not good in a country like Ecuador., that tries to develop more connectivity, attract more passengers and compete directly with other destinations in the region».
Finally, When asked about what urgent measures he would apply to boost air transport in Ecuador, ALTA's top executive summarized his vision in a clear formula:
«That country that reduces costs, lowers taxes and encourages connectivity will always do better than one that increases taxes. Raising costs discourages connectivity and makes travelers start looking for other options..
The vision is clear, a law does not guarantee more flights, but a plan as a country that seeks to promote aviation and tourism with the vision of making it more accessible with lower costs for users..
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