After a LATAM Incident, Cuenca's Mayor Says a Bigger Airport Is Inevitable

Cuenca's airport debate is back in the foreground after a tense afternoon in the sky.

El Mercurio reports that, on the afternoon of May 26, people shared videos and images of an aircraft flying over Cuenca while making loud noises. After it did not complete its landing, the plane continued to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil.

What LATAM Said

According to El Mercurio, LATAM Airlines said in a statement that an "event" occurred during operation of flight LA136.

The airline said technical reviews had begun on the aircraft to identify the causes of the contingency.

What The Mayor Said

Mayor Cristian Zamora responded on May 27 through X after the incident became public and comments on social media turned toward Cuenca's airport limits.

El Mercurio reports that Zamora said he agreed with the messages and wrote that Cuenca inevitably needs a larger, safer air terminal, with a runway for international cargo and passenger flights, outside the city center.

The mayor also said studies are continuing for a possible new airport location in Tarqui.

As part of that process, a meteorological station began operating in October 2024. El Mercurio reports that by 2027 officials expect to know whether the site has suitable conditions for a new air terminal.

For travelers, every incident at the current airport can quickly become part of the larger conversation about Cuenca's long-term air access.

Source: El Mercurio