Airlines launch humanitarian flights to Galapagos Islands

Airlines are conducting special cargo flights to provide humanitarian aid to the Galapagos Islands following heavy rains and flooding caused by El Niño. The emergency has affected more than 2,000 families in Santa Cruz.

LATAM Ecuador is utilizing its Avión Solidario program to transport over 12,880 kilograms of aid, including 1,000 food and hygiene kits and 1,820 water containers. To maximize capacity, the airline is using an Airbus 319 to carry cargo both in the hold and secured in the cabin, significantly exceeding standard commercial cargo limits.

Avianca has also deployed an Airbus A320neo to transport construction supplies and non-perishable food. This operation is being coordinated with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Infrastructure and Technology, the Ecuadorian Red Cross, and the Fernove Foundation. Additionally, airport operating hours at Baltra have been extended to accommodate regular passenger flights and technical support personnel.