Beyond the Runway: The Past, Present, and New Horizons of Cuenca’s Mariscal Lamar Airport

For decades, the Mariscal Lamar Airport has stood as a symbol of Cuenca’s aspirations. Though technically an international terminal, its reality is more intimate—a vital link for high-income Cuencanos heading to Quito or Guayaquil and a gateway for VIP travelers needing to reach the Andes in a hurry. However, as any long-term resident will tell you, our airport is a place where ambition often meets the constraints of history.

The airport’s story began on April 25, 1941. At the time, the runway was designed for a small village. Today, that same footprint serves a bustling city of over 600,000. This "village" planning has led to significant challenges. The airport administration, CORPAC, has made valiant efforts to modernize, but they are often hindered by the fact that the infrastructure is essentially 40 years behind the city’s current needs.

Safety has also been a point of local concern. While major incidents are rare, the last decade has seen two notable runway excursions: a TAME aircraft in 2016 and a DHL Boeing 757 in April 2022. Additionally, the airport has undergone several periods of deep maintenance and renovation, during which operations were completely halted, reminding us all of the fragility of our connection to the rest of the country.

Despite the structural limitations of the runway, the terminal itself is a pleasant surprise. It is clean, well-finished, and offers services that punch above their weight. For those with a long wait, there is a hidden VIP lounge on the second floor (Pro-tip: look for the door on the left after passing security) featuring massage chairs and snacks.

Furthermore, full CCTV coverage was recently installed to ensure the airport remains as secure as possible. Management has also announced that AI will be implemented to enhance the surveillance capabilities of these cameras.

The city and airport management also recognize the importance of art in beautifying public landmarks. Both entities collaborated to commission the renowned Cuencano artist, Hernan Illescas, to create an impressive ceramic relief mural. This vibrant and elegant piece is located directly adjacent to one of the sliding-door entrances.

Crucially for expats, the airport houses a Migration Police office, making it a convenient spot for handling residency and travel errands without a trip to the city center.

The most exciting news for 2026 is the launch of direct flight lines to the Galapagos Islands. Starting March 31, LATAM will operate two weekly frequencies (Tuesdays and Saturdays) directly from Cuenca.

This is more than just a convenience for travelers; it is a massive economic engine. By connecting the cultural heart of the Andes directly to the "Enchanted Isles," Cuenca is positioning itself as a primary hub for international quality tourism. The city has invested nearly $200,000 in biosecurity and environmental controls to ensure we meet the strict standards required for Galapagos travel.

While we enjoy the new terminal services and the convenience of direct flights, the conversation about a new airport in the Tarqui parish continues. Studies are underway to determine if a modern, intercontinental-capable airport is finally in our future. Until then, Mariscal Lamar remains our quirky, historic, and increasingly busy gateway to the world.