José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport

Welcome

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil stands out for its robust lounge offerings rather than retail or dining selections. The airport's international side features a 24-hour Aeropuertos VIP Club accessible with Priority Pass or Amex cards, diagonal to Gate 8, making it a haven for transit travelers heading to and from the Galápagos Islands. Domestic travelers won't feel neglected either, thanks to their own dedicated VIP Club with broad operating hours.

At a glance

Serving 4.6 million passengers annually with just one terminal, José Joaquín de Olmedo combines the efficiency of a regional airport with the upscale amenities typically found in larger hubs. Positioned just 5 km north of Guayaquil's center, GYE is a hub for Avianca Ecuador and LATAM Ecuador, ensuring connectivity across the region. While it lacks in dining and shopping areas, its lounges more than make up for this shortfall.

Terminals & layout

The airport consists of a single terminal that acts as the central point for both Avianca Ecuador and LATAM Ecuador. Given that all operations are concentrated in this one terminal, navigating José Joaquín de Olmedo is straightforward, but knowing which lounges to access depending on your flight type can enhance the travel experience significantly.

Getting to and from the city

Guayaquil is easily accessible from the airport, with authorized taxi services readily available. Given the airport's proximity to the city center—about 3 miles—travel times are typically short, though exact fares may vary. For those preferring public options or shuttles, plan to research options beforehand as they are not as prominently featured here as in larger airports.

Traveller essentials

Despite its compact setup, José Joaquín de Olmedo offers essentials like VIP lounges, which are pivotal given the absence of restaurants and shops. It's advisable for passengers to plan meals accordingly before arriving or after departing the airport.

Dining & shopping highlights

The airport does not emphasize dining and shopping and instead channels its resources into providing a high-quality lounge experience. For a leisurely wait, skip the sparse offerings and head straight to the lounges for complimentary snacks and beverages.

Lounges

The Aeropuertos VIP Club is the crown jewel of GYE's lounge offerings, available internationally with a 24-hour service claim. Domestically, a separate Aeropuertos VIP Club provides a comfortable reprieve with hours extending from 05:00 to 22:00 Sunday through Friday, and slightly shorter on Saturday. Travelers can also find the American Express VIP Lounge in the domestic preboarding area as a backup. Walk-up pay-in is an option at the international Diamond Club lounge for those without premium access cards.

Insider tips

• Insider: Use the international Aeropuertos VIP Club, diagonal to Gate 8, for its 24-hour setup if you have a Priority Pass or eligible Amex card.
• Time: There's a 3-hour stay limit in the international lounge. Perfect your schedule to maximize this time if you face a long layover.
• Money: With card access, skip the terminal offerings and head straight to lounges for complimentary food and drinks.
• Avoid: Expect no restaurant or shopping thrills here; plan meals before arriving or after departing GYE.
• Local: The domestic VIP lounge opens early, from 05:00, serving early flights up to 22:00 on weekdays.
• Quiet: American Express VIP Lounge in domestic preboarding provides a more secluded environment in case third-party lounges are crowded.
• Insider: Without lounge access, travelers might miss the airport's best amenities, focus on securing lounge entry before your visit.