Securing an overflying and landing permit in Ecuador can be a challenging and time-sensitive process if not handled by a professional agent like American Flight Support. As a registered entity with Ecuadorian Civil Aviation, we can expedite the permit process, typically obtaining approval within 48 hours.
However, it’s important to note that the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Authority does not operate on weekends or after hours, which can further complicate the process if not managed properly. By partnering with American Flight Support, you ensure that your registration and permit application are processed efficiently and within the required timeframe, avoiding any unnecessary delays.
Let American Flight Support navigate the complexities of Ecuadorian aviation regulations for you, ensuring your flight operations proceed smoothly. Trust us to make your journey as seamless as possible. Safe travels!
Flying into the Galapagos Islands with American Flight Support
At American Flight Support, we take pride in providing comprehensive assistance for your flights to the Galapagos Islands. Our team is here to ensure your operation runs smoothly and efficiently, while addressing any inquiries you may have about this unique destination.
Key Information for Flying into the SEST – Galapagos Islands/San Cristobal Located in Galapagos Isl, W, ECUADOR ICAO – SEST, IATA – SCY
Arrival Procedures:
When flying into the Galapagos, please be aware that the islands’ airports are restricted to domestic flights only. All international flights must first land at SEGU (Guayaquil) or SEQM (Quito) to complete customs, immigration, and disinfection processes. This typically requires a layover of approximately 2 hours, with 1 hour specifically dedicated to the mandatory disinfection process. This procedure is strictly enforced by local authorities to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos.
During the disinfection process, your aircraft will be sealed, with no individuals on board. While waiting, passengers and crew members can relax in our GAT lounge at SEGU or SEQM, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience before continuing the journey. Flight times from SEQM to the Galapagos are approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, and 1 hour and 40 minutes from SEGU.
Parking and Aircraft Accommodations:
For aircraft parking at SEST (San Cristóbal) or SEGS (Baltra) in the Galapagos, it is important to note that only aircraft with a wingspan of 35 meters or less are permitted to stay overnight. Depending on your aircraft’s size and itinerary, we will confirm parking availability with the airport administrator. If your aircraft is only dropping off passengers, parking coordination is unnecessary, and a designated spot will be provided during the drop-off or pick-up process.
If parking is not available at your intended airport, we can assist in checking availability at the other Galapagos airport to relocate the aircraft, thus avoiding a return to SEGU or SEQM.
Operational Time Frames:
The operational hours for SEGS and SEST are 1415-2200 UTC / 0815-1600 LOCAL for general aviation. We coordinate your aircraft’s arrival and departure within these hours, as long as it does not conflict with commercial flight schedules. Our team will secure the necessary clearance and approval for your itinerary, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Please keep in mind that arriving at 1530 local time for passenger drop-off may be too close to the airport’s closing time. We recommend coordinating your disembarkation plans carefully to avoid any delays that could affect your departure.
Special Note for SEGS:
If your aircraft is scheduled to arrive after 1530 local time at SEGS, and the crew intends to stay beyond 1600 local time, please be aware that airport personnel will be required to remain after hours. This will incur an additional fee per person required to stay. Please inform us in advance if this extension is necessary so we can coordinate accordingly.
Passenger and Crew Protocols:
All passengers and crew traveling to the Galapagos must pay a national park entrance fee and obtain a transit control card. These can be processed at the commercial terminals of SEGU or SEQM before your flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, the entrance fee to the national park must be paid in cash.
For your convenience, American Flight Support offers a service to handle these processes for $353.00 USD per person (aged 12 and older) and $252.00 USD for those under 12 years old. This service helps avoid long waits at the commercial terminals and ensures a smoother arrival and departure experience. If your passengers are joining a tour or yacht, please provide this information in advance to avoid processing duplicate transit cards or entrance fees. Kindly forward passport copies for all persons entering and staying in the Galapagos.
Ground Support Equipment:
Please note that there is no GPU, ASU, or other additional ground support equipment available at SEGS or SEST. At SEST, manual Lav & Water services are the only options available.
Fuel Availability:
Fuel is not available at SEGS. However, we can coordinate fuel at SEST if necessary.
Recommended Departure Airport:
For international departures, we recommend using SEMT, which experiences very low traffic, allowing for a quick turnaround of approximately 30 minutes.
Please plan for a stop at SEGU or SEQM with a ground time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Landing Permits:
A landing permit is required as you will be using two or more airports in Ecuador. Permits are granted for stays up to 30 days in Ecuador, and we recommend applying for the permit at least 72 hours in advance of your flight. To process the permit, we will need the following documents:
- Aircraft registration
- Airworthiness certificate
- Insurance policy
- Noise certificate (where MTOW is shown)
Please note that charter flights are not permitted to operate in the Galapagos.
Please contact us for further inquiries or to coordinate your flight. We are here to ensure your travel to the Galapagos is seamless and successful.
T: 888.45.4017 Email: ops@americanflightsupport.com