{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Ecuador",
    "addressLocality": "Tulc\u00e1n"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "LATAM Ecuador"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Tulc\u00e1n",
  "code": "TUA",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/TUA",
  "connection_tips": "Lieutenant Colonel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport is located near the Colombian border and is known for challenging wind conditions that can lead to afternoon flight delays. If the plan changes, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into Tulc\u00e1n rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Mariscal Sucre International, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by LATAM Ecuador, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Tulc\u00e1n's time-saving link to the rest of Ecuador.\n\nFrom the terminal, it is a short taxi ride to the famous Tulc\u00e1n Cemetery with its unique topiary gardens, or to the Rumichaka International Bridge for border crossings. For connection planning, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into Tulc\u00e1n rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Mariscal Sucre International, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by LATAM Ecuador, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Tulc\u00e1n's time-saving link to the rest of Ecuador.\n\nArriving 90 minutes before domestic flights is usually sufficient for this small, high-altitude airport. Operationally, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into Tulc\u00e1n rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Mariscal Sucre International, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by LATAM Ecuador, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Tulc\u00e1n's time-saving link to the rest of 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 latest schedules when connecting through Lieutenant Colonel Luis A.",
    "Mantilla Airport sits at very high elevation, so weather and performance matter here.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Lieutenant+Colonel+Luis+A.+Mantilla+International+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "iataCode": "TUA",
  "icao": "SETU",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "May 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": 0.809506,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited amenities; arrange layover needs in advance.",
  "longitude": -77.708099,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline service desk for missed connections.",
  "name": "Lieutenant Colonel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport",
  "region": "South America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "UIO",
      "name": "Mariscal Sucre International"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport (SETU) operates at 9,649 feet elevation near Ecuador's northern border with Colombia, serving as a high-altitude aviation gateway to Carchi Province capital Tulc\u00e1n. Named in honor of pioneering Ecuadorian military aviator Luis Mantilla Guerrero, this second-category national airport faces unique operational challenges due to its extreme elevation of 2,941 meters above sea level, which significantly affects aircraft performance and weather patterns typical of Andean highland environments. Currently operating without regular commercial service during daylight hours only, the facility maintains dual arrival halls configured for both domestic passengers and international border operations under bilateral treaties with Colombia.\n\nThe airport's single runway (05/23) serves aircraft specially equipped for high-altitude operations, where density altitude effects become pronounced during warmer daytime hours requiring careful weight calculations and extended takeoff distances. Terminal infrastructure accommodates both national and international passenger processing capabilities, reflecting the airport's strategic position just northeast of Tulc\u00e1n's urban perimeter where cross-border movements between Ecuador and Colombia require specialized customs and immigration facilities. Emergency services coordinate closely with regional authorities for medical evacuations to lower altitude facilities when high-elevation conditions complicate patient care or aircraft operations.\n\nGeographic positioning in the Andes creates challenging weather conditions including rapid temperature changes, strong mountain winds, and frequent cloud formations that can quickly reduce visibility below minimums for visual flight operations. The facility's proximity to the Rumichaca International Bridge makes it strategically important for regional connectivity despite current limitations on commercial operations, while serving charter flights, government missions, and emergency services requiring access to this politically and economically significant border region where altitude and weather conditions demand specialized aviation expertise and equipment.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/SETU/Lieutenant-Colonel-Luis-A.-Mantilla-International-Airport"
}