New Amenities, Art, and International Hopes Are in the Air

By: Cuenca Expats Magazine Staff Writer

Cuenca Expats Magazine was recently invited to tour the impressive upgrades at Mariscal La Mar International Airport—and we were genuinely surprised by what we saw.

The airport has bounced back to pre-COVID levels, now serving around 40,000 passengers a month with 52 weekly flights (47 to Quito and 5 to Guayaquil). 

And there’s more on the horizon: while Cuenca plans to build a much larger international airport in the Tarqui area within the next 10 years, the city isn’t waiting around to improve travel today.

Logo_Corpac H - Cuenca Airport
Big Changes Taking Off at Cuenca’s Airport

To check out the upgrades, we hopped on the Tranvía, which conveniently stops right at the airport. Inside, the ground floor has been completely reorganized for better flow and visibility. Travel agencies and car rental offices are now grouped together, and there’s plenty of new seating for those waiting to greet arriving passengers.

A long-awaited escalator now connects the levels, and at the top you’re welcomed by a bright, modern art gallery with rotating exhibits. The food court has also been expanded with more tables and a new central work station—perfect for digital nomads on the go.

In even bigger news, the airport is preparing for international service. The first destination is expected to be Peru.

Construction is already underway for an international boarding and arrivals area. Before flights can begin, coordination must be finalized between the national police, immigration, and customs agencies.

Two new jetways are also in the works, which will allow passengers to board and deplane directly from the terminal—no more outdoor stairs in the rain!

And here’s a tip for savvy travelers: Cuenca Airport’s VIP lounge is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

For just $15—or with most major credit cards—you can enjoy a spacious, comfortable environment with complimentary snacks and beverages. It’s a relaxing way to wait for your flight—and well worth it.


Mr. José Luis Aguilar Hernández, Executive Director of the Corporación Aeroportuaria de Cuenca, invites all expats to come experience the improvements firsthand and consider flying from Cuenca for their next adventure.