Ecuador’s National Assembly has approved a new Civil Aviation Law that opens the domestic market to foreign airlines domiciled in the country and removes prior state-by-state route approvals. The bill passed in Quito by 88 votes to 60 and now goes to the executive, which has 30 days to sign it into law or raise objections.
The reform replaces an aviation framework that had been in place for nearly two decades. Under the new rules, airlines holding an operating permit will be able to begin services after notifying the relevant state, rather than seeking separate route authorisations for each operation.
Lawmakers framed the measure as a way to increase competition, expand routes and frequencies, and give operators more flexibility. The legislation also includes changes covering passenger refunds and compensation, drone regulation and possible revisions to airport service management.