Quito, the high-altitude capital of Ecuador, offers private travellers a destination unlike any other in South America — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, a thriving diplomatic and energy sector, and extraordinary natural access to the Galápagos Islands and Amazon basin. Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) serves as Ecuador’s principal international gateway, located on the high-altitude plateau north-east of the capital at approximately 2,400 metres above sea level. Private jet charter to Quito places discerning travellers within reach of one of the world’s most culturally and ecologically rich cities, with the flexibility and comfort that commercial travel simply cannot match. Whether arriving for business negotiations in the financial district or for exploration of the Cotopaxi volcano region, UIO is the ideal point of entry.
Airport Key Facts
| IATA code | UIO |
| ICAO code | SEQM |
| Location | Approximately 18 km north-east of Quito city centre, in the Tababela parish |
| Airport type | International |
| Runway | 4,100 m / 13,451 ft |
| Operating hours | 24/7 |
| Commercial traffic | Yes — commercial flights operate |
Flying Privately to Quito Mariscal Sucre
Arriving at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport by private jet means bypassing the congestion of commercial terminals entirely, with access to dedicated general aviation facilities offering swift immigration and customs clearance. Private passengers benefit from direct ramp access, minimising transit time between aircraft and vehicle — a significant advantage given the airport’s distance from the city centre. The flexibility of private charter is especially valuable at UIO, where scheduling around Quito’s afternoon convective weather patterns can be tailored precisely to your itinerary. Prime Jet Services coordinates all ground handling and slot management to ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience at every visit.
About Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO / SEQM) opened in February 2013, replacing the former inner-city Mariscal Sucre Airport to provide a modern facility capable of handling wide-body and long-range aircraft. Operated by Corporación Quiport, the airport sits at an elevation of approximately 2,400 metres, making it one of the highest international airports in the world — a factor that influences aircraft performance calculations for all operators. The airport’s exceptionally long 4,100-metre runway accommodates ultra-long-range jets, VIP airliners, and large cargo aircraft with full fuel loads despite the challenging altitude conditions. Private and business aviation passengers are processed through dedicated facilities with customs and immigration services available around the clock. Its modern infrastructure and 24-hour operation make UIO one of the most capable private aviation hubs on the western coast of South America.
Popular Private Jet Routes to Quito Mariscal Sucre
Private jet charter to Quito Mariscal Sucre is in demand from destinations worldwide. Common routes include:
- Miami — approximately 5.5 hrs by private jet, ideal for a super-midsize or heavy jet
- New York (Teterboro) — approximately 7 hrs, typically a heavy jet or ultra-long-range jet
- Bogotá — approximately 1.5 hrs, well suited to a light jet or midsize jet
- London (Luton) — approximately 13 hrs, requiring an ultra-long-range jet
Prime Jet Services carefully matches the right aircraft category to every route into UIO, accounting for the airport’s high-altitude performance requirements to ensure safety and efficiency on every flight.
Discover Quito Mariscal Sucre
Quito’s historic centre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978 — is home to some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the Americas, including the ornate Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesús and the sweeping Plaza Grande. The city hosts a growing number of luxury hotels such as Casa Gangotena and the Hotel Plaza Grande, catering to high-net-worth visitors seeking heritage and refinement. Quito also serves as the commercial and diplomatic hub of Ecuador, with a concentration of multinational energy companies, financial institutions, and government ministries in the Mariscal Sucre and González Suárez districts. For leisure travellers, direct access to the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes makes the city an unrivalled base for exclusive South American exploration.
Private Jet Charter Tips for Quito Mariscal Sucre
- Best time to visit — June through September offers the driest and clearest conditions, ideal for both business travel and scenic excursions to surrounding national parks
- Transfer to city — the journey from UIO to Quito city centre takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes by private car or limousine via the Ruta Viva expressway; helicopter transfers can be arranged for faster access
- Recommended aircraft — given the high-altitude runway and typical transatlantic or North American routing, heavy jets and ultra-long-range aircraft such as the Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Global 7500 are most appropriate
- Customs and immigration — private aviation passengers at UIO benefit from dedicated customs and immigration processing with expedited clearance, handled separately from commercial terminal flows
Why Book Your Quito Mariscal Sucre Charter with Prime Jet Services?
- 24/7 availability — round-the-clock charter support for Quito Mariscal Sucre, including last-minute requests
- Global fleet access — light jets to ultra-long-range aircraft and VIP airliners, all AOC-certified
- Competitive rates — direct operator relationships ensure best value with no compromise on safety
- Full concierge — catering, ground transfers, hotel arrangements in Quito Mariscal Sucre all handled by our team
- Complete privacy — your itinerary and passenger details remain strictly confidential
Contact Prime Jet Services today for a tailored quote on your private jet charter to Quito Mariscal Sucre, with bespoke solutions available for any route, group size, or timeline. Our dedicated aviation experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to arrange every detail of your journey to UIO.
Frequently Asked Questions — Private Jet Charter to Quito Mariscal Sucre
How do I charter a private jet to Quito Mariscal Sucre?
Chartering a private jet to Quito Mariscal Sucre with Prime Jet Services is straightforward. Contact our team 24/7 by phone or via our online enquiry form, share your travel dates, passenger numbers, and any preferences, and we will source the best available aircraft for your route to International Airport (UIO) at competitive rates. We handle everything from aircraft selection and slot booking to catering and ground transfers.
Which airport is best for private jets to Quito Mariscal Sucre?
International Airport (IATA: UIO) is the recommended gateway for private jet charter to Quito Mariscal Sucre, offering dedicated FBO facilities, expedited customs processing, and comprehensive handling services for executive aviation. Our team will advise on the optimal arrival airport based on your exact destination, aircraft type, and schedule.
How much does a private jet to Quito Mariscal Sucre cost?
The cost of a private jet charter to Quito Mariscal Sucre depends on your departure point, aircraft category, number of passengers, and travel dates. Prime Jet Services provides fully transparent, tailored quotes — contact us for a competitive rate specific to your itinerary, with no hidden fees.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Prime Jet Services can arrange private jet charters to Quito Mariscal Sucre at very short notice — often within a few hours for regional routes. For peak travel periods or where a specific aircraft type is required, booking further ahead is advisable. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to handle both planned trips and last-minute requests.

