Ecuador's eco-friendly gateway to the Galápagos Islands.
Opened
1941
Location
Isla Baltra, Ecuador
Seymour Galápagos Ecological Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Ecológico de Galápagos Seymour, serves as the primary air entry point to the Galápagos Islands, located on the small island of Baltra (also called North Seymour Island) in Ecuador. It is one of two airports serving the archipelago, the other being San Cristóbal Airport on Isla San Cristóbal.
The airport underwent a major ecological redesign and renovation completed around 2013, making it one of the world's first ecological airports. It incorporates renewable energy sources, sustainable water management, and native vegetation, all designed to minimize environmental impact in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The facility handles a significant volume of tourists and researchers traveling to the Galápagos National Park. Strict biosecurity measures are enforced to protect the islands' unique endemic species from invasive organisms introduced through air travel.
Terminals
The airport has a single modern terminal building designed with ecological principles, handling both arriving and departing passengers under one roof.
Getting to & from
Passengers travel from the airport via a short bus ride to a ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel, then connect by bus or taxi into Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the main tourist hub.
Airlines here
The primary airlines operating scheduled flights to Baltra are LATAM Airlines and Avianca, with services connecting mainly from Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE).
Notable facts
- ›Baltra Island was a U.S. military air base during World War II, which is the origin of the airport's infrastructure.
- ›The renovated ecological airport was inaugurated in 2013 and is considered one of the world's first eco-friendly airports.
- ›The airport uses solar and wind energy as part of its sustainable energy strategy.
- ›Strict biosecurity inspections are mandatory for all passengers and luggage to prevent introduction of invasive species.
- ›The airport sits within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, placing unique environmental obligations on its operation.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
