{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Ecuador",
    "addressLocality": "Esmeraldas"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "LATAM Ecuador"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "75 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "75 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Esmeraldas",
  "code": "ESM",
  "connection_tips": "Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport (ESM), formerly known as General Rivadeneira, is the premier aviation gateway to northern Ecuador\u2019s stunning Pacific coast. For travelers, a major connection tip is recognizing its transformative $45 million modernization (2012\u20132014), which provided the facility with a state-of-the-art fully air-conditioned terminal and a robust 2,555-meter runway capable of handling modern jets. Commercial service is primarily domestic, with carriers like Aeroregional providing essential daily links to the capital, Quito (UIO). Because this tropical coastal region is highly susceptible to intense afternoon thunderstorms and sudden heavy rainfall, it is highly recommended to book early-morning departures to ensure the best reliability.\n\nThe terminal is compact and easy to navigate, featuring modern check-in counters and a selection of small caf\u00e9s serving local Esmeralde\u00f1o snacks and refreshments. Ground transportation is well-organized via authorized taxis waiting outside the arrivals area; the 15-minute journey across the Esmeraldas River to the city center typically costs around $10 USD, while the 30-to-40-minute trip to the popular beach resort of Atacames is also readily available. Car rentals should be pre-arranged, as on-site availability can be limited. Arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before your domestic departure is sufficient to navigate the manual check-in process.\n\nThe facility also plays a vital role in supporting the region\u2019s massive timber and oil industries. Always confirm your flight status via the airline\u2019s mobile app, as regional schedules can occasionally be adjusted based on demand and coastal weather conditions. ESM remains a professional and highly attractive entry point for exploring the mangroves and beaches of northern Ecuador.",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/ec.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Check ahead for weather and tidal conditions in Esmeraldas.",
    "Colonel Carlos Concha Torres is Esmeraldas' air link.",
    "It mainly handles regional flights from Ecuador's larger hubs.",
    "Taxi fares to the city center are fixed by the municipality.",
    "Expect tropical heat and humidity when landing mid-day."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=General+Rivadeneira+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "iataCode": "ESM",
  "icao": "SETN",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": 0.9785190224647522,
  "layover_planner_info": "Amenities may be limited; plan ahead.",
  "longitude": -79.62660217285156,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 75,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 75,
  "mct_international_to_international": 90,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline desk for assistance.",
  "name": "Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport",
  "region": "South America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "BHA",
      "name": "Los Perales Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport (ESM), formerly known as General Rivadeneira Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for the city of Esmeraldas and the northern coastal region of Ecuador. Located in the parish of Tachina, across the river from the city center, the airport provides essential connectivity for the region's burgeoning tourism industry and its vital oil and timber sectors. The facility was officially renamed to honor the local revolutionary hero Colonel Carlos Concha Torres, reflecting the deep regional pride of the Esmeraldas province.\n\nThe airport underwent a transformative $45 million modernization project between 2012 and 2014, which completely replaced the aging legacy infrastructure with a state-of-the-art facility. The project included the construction of a brand-new passenger terminal, a new air traffic control tower, and a significant extension of the runway to 2,555 meters. These upgrades allow the airport to safely handle medium-sized commercial jet aircraft and have positioned ESM as a modern alternative for travelers exploring the pristine beaches and mangrove forests of northern Ecuador.\n\nInside the sleek, single-terminal building, passengers are provided with a comfortable and efficient transit experience. The facility is fully air-conditioned, which is essential for the humid tropical climate of the coast, and features two distinct departure lounges\u2014one dedicated to domestic flights and another designed for international operations. The terminal layout is compact and easy to navigate, housing modern check-in counters, digital passenger information systems, and a selection of cafes and retail shops offering local Esmeralde\u00f1o products and travel essentials.\n\nFlight operations at ESM primarily connect the region to the national capital of Quito, providing a critical link for government officials and business travelers. The airport has historically hosted international cross-border services to cities like Cali, Colombia, reflecting its potential as a regional hub for the northern Andean corridor. Ground transportation is well-managed, with authorized taxis and shuttle services located just outside the arrivals hall, providing a short 15-minute journey into downtown Esmeraldas via the modern bridge across the Esmeraldas River. The facility remains a cornerstone of regional development, bridging the gap between Ecuador's urban centers and its lush northern coastline.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Rivadeneira_Airport"
}