On July 12, 2025, Ecuador’s Official Register published the Organic Law for the Strengthening of Protected Areas. The law introduces significant amendments to the country’s aviation legal framework aimed at facilitating the entry of new international air operators into the domestic market.
Key reforms:
- Automatic recognition of foreign air operator certificates (AOCs). A new general provision has been added to the Aeronautical Code that allows international operators domiciled in Ecuador to use their Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by their home state authority without further validation once they obtain their operating permit from the National Civil Aviation Council (CNAC). The Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) must issue the technical regulations implementing this recognition within 30 days.
- Requirements to Provide Air Services The amendment to Article 59(5) of the Civil Aviation Law clarifies that air services may be provided by legal entities authorized by the CNAC without requiring them to incorporate as Ecuadorian companies.
Comment
These reforms eliminate key barriers to entry in Ecuador’s domestic market by reducing the time and cost of regulations for foreign airlines that wish to operate internal routes. Using a foreign Air Operator Certificate (AOC) directly eliminates duplicative technical certification processes, representing a significant improvement over the previous regime.
The new framework is also expected to increase national air connectivity, particularly on underserved routes, and boost competition, which will help lower domestic airfares for passengers.
The CorralRosales aviation law team is prepared to guide international operators through the entire Operating Permit process and coordinate technical matters with the DGAC.
Xavier Rosales, Partner at CorralRosales
xrosales@corralrosales.com
+593 2 2544144
