The new Organic Civil Aviation Law unifies the Ecuadorian aeronautical regulatory framework and introduces relevant changes for airlines, airport operators, investors and companies engaged in air transport.

The reform introduces changes to operating permits, consolidates the participation of foreign operators in domestic routes and establishes new conditions for airport investment.

What Are the Main Changes?

1. Centralization of Powers in the DGAC

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Dirección General de Aviación Civil - DGAC) assumes the powers previously exercised by the National Civil Aviation Council (Consejo Nacional de Aviación Civil - CNAC), including the granting, modification and renewal of operating permits.

Pending proceedings are transferred to the DGAC, making it necessary to identify the responsible authority and to follow up on pending applications.

2. Cabotage: Participation of Foreign Airlines in Domestic Routes

The new law expressly provides for the possibility of foreign air carriers domiciled in Ecuador operating domestic routes, provided that they obtain the corresponding permits.

This provision consolidates an alternative for participation in the Ecuadorian domestic market, already contemplated under the previous legislation, and may be relevant to the expansion strategies of international operators.

3. New Conditions for Operating Permits

The validity periods of operating permits and the capital requirements will be subject to further regulatory development.

Companies should pay attention to secondary regulations in order to assess their conditions for operation, renewal and expansion in the Ecuadorian market.

4. Investment Opportunities in Airport Infrastructure

The law develops mechanisms for delegation to private operators and provides for the possibility of renegotiating airport contracts, under certain legal, technical and financial conditions.

These provisions may create opportunities for investors and companies engaged in the management and development of airport infrastructure.

5. New Obligations and Sanctioning Regime

The provisions on operational safety, passenger protection, information exchange and the operation of unmanned aircraft are updated.

In addition, a new classification of violations and a regime of fines expressed in unified basic salaries are established.

How Do These Changes Impact Your Company?

Airlines and Air Operators

Review operating permits, renewal procedures and expansion opportunities, including the operation of domestic routes by foreign companies domiciled in Ecuador.

Airport Operators and Investors

Assess the new conditions for delegation, investment and renegotiation of airport infrastructure contracts.

Aeronautical Companies and Service Providers

Identify regulatory compliance, operational safety and risk management obligations in light of the new sanctioning regime.

At ROBALINO, we support domestic and international companies in the aeronautical sector in obtaining and renewing operating permits, regulatory compliance, structuring operations and developing investment projects.

Our team can advise your company in assessing the effects of the new legislation and in identifying opportunities within the Ecuadorian aeronautical market.

This document does not constitute a legal opinion; it is merely a general informational bulletin. Should you require specific advice, please contact us at the following addresses: