Avianca Ecuador: From Former AeroGal to Flights to the Galápagos

From Small Local Carrier to Part of the Avianca Group

AeroGal began operating in 1986 with two small 12-seat Dornier Do 28 aircraft: a humble starting point compared with today's structure, which took shape after the merger with Avianca and TACA that followed Synergy Group's arrival in 2009. Like most of the Avianca group, it went through Chapter 11 proceedings in 2020 because of the pandemic's impact on regional air traffic.

A Relatively Young Airbus Fleet

It now operates 9 Airbus A320s, 4 of them the more efficient neo version, configured with 180 seats split between business/crew, premium economy and economy. It is a compact fleet but well suited to the relatively short distances of the routes it serves.

The Essential Link to the Galápagos

Besides domestic passenger and cargo traffic and flights to Colombia, Avianca Ecuador operates the air link between the mainland and the Galápagos Islands, one of the country's most important routes from both a tourism and an economic standpoint, given the lack of fast sea alternatives for visitors.

What passengers say

Regular travelers to the Galápagos report fairly high fares by regional standards, partly tied to the environmental entry fees for the islands rather than to the price of the flight itself. Service on board is described as adequate for a flight of a few hours, and as a Star Alliance affiliate the airline makes things easier for anyone arriving from outside the region on an international connection.

Avianca Ecuador is the natural choice for anyone who needs to reach the Galápagos from the mainland, or to travel between Quito, Guayaquil and Colombia with a Star Alliance connection. It is less competitive on routes where LATAM Ecuador also flies, often with comparable fares but different schedules.

If you are flying to the Galápagos, check the cost of the national park entry fee and the tourist control card (INGALA) separately: they are not included in the price of the plane ticket and often have to be paid in cash on arrival.