Cheaper Cuenca flights go on sale as government prepares to introduce fuel subsidy

For several hours on Monday, air travelers were able to purchase on-line round-trip tickets from Cuenca to Quito for $37. Although deep-discount promotional fares come and go, Latam Airlines said all ticket prices will drop during the month of December.

Latam Airlines is offering promotional fares in December.

“We are beginning to offer promotional fares to encourage people to reconsider air travel to and from Cuenca,” says Manuel van Oordt, Ecuador’s Latam executive director. “The bargains offer a great opportunity to travel and represent a major saving for those who work in Quito and travel to Cuenca to see families this time of year,” he said.

The promotions, as well as lower fares in general, are the result of a 40% fuel subsidy that will be offered by the government beginning next week. “Our interest is to revitalize air travel in Ecuador, both for business and pleasure,” said Paúl Granda, minister of transport and public works. “We expect the country’s airports to become much busier in the coming months as more people take advantage of the new rates.”

Following the government’s fuel subsidy announcement last month, Latam announced that it will add 1,200 seats a month to its Cuenca – Quito route. Weekly flight frequency between the cities will increase from 11 to 19.

The airlines will also increase the frequency of flights to Guayaquil.

According to Granda, government-owned Tame Air, will also begin offering reduced-rate fares.