MEC - Eloy Alfaro International Airport
Manta, Ecuador
IATA Code: MEC · Manta, Ecuador
The airport code MEC is the IATA identifier for Eloy Alfaro International Airport. You may also find it referred to as Manta Airport (MEC).
Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) serves Manta, Ecuador, in the Latin America fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
MEC is the IATA airport code for Eloy Alfaro International Airport, located in Manta, Ecuador. The airport is situated at coordinates 0.9461°S, 80.6788°W. The current jet fuel price in the Latin America region is $5.31/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Latin America)
$5.31/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- MEC
- City
- Manta
- Country
- Ecuador
- Timezone
- America/Guayaquil
- Latitude
- -0.9461°
- Longitude
- -80.6788°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Latin America
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from MEC
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVO - Portoviejo | 25 km | $372 | $1/passenger |
| SNC - Salinas | 144 km | $2,141 | $4/passenger |
| GYE - Guayaquil | 161 km | $2,394 | $5/passenger |
| LTX - Latacunga | 229 km | $3,405 | $7/passenger |
| ATF - Ambato | 236 km | $3,509 | $7/passenger |
| ESM - Esmeraldas | 244 km | $3,628 | $7/passenger |
| MCH - Machala | 270 km | $4,014 | $8/passenger |
| UIO - Quito | 274 km | $4,074 | $8/passenger |
| CUE - Cuenca | 287 km | $4,267 | $9/passenger |
| ETR - Santa Rosa | 288 km | $4,282 | $9/passenger |
| TBP - Tumbes | 292 km | $4,341 | $9/passenger |
| PTZ - Pastaza | 297 km | $4,416 | $9/passenger |
| XMS - Macas | 322 km | $4,787 | $10/passenger |
| TNW - Tena | 344 km | $5,115 | $10/passenger |
| LOH - La Toma (Catamayo) | 369 km | $5,486 | $11/passenger |
| TCO - Tumaco | 374 km | $5,561 | $11/passenger |
| TUA - Tulcan | 384 km | $5,709 | $11/passenger |
| MRR - Macara | 390 km | $5,799 | $12/passenger |
| IPI - Ipiales | 390 km | $5,799 | $12/passenger |
| TYL - Talara | 409 km | $6,081 | $12/passenger |
| OCC - Coca | 414 km | $6,155 | $12/passenger |
| PSO - Pasto | 458 km | $6,810 | $14/passenger |
| PIU - Piura | 474 km | $7,047 | $14/passenger |
| TPC - Tarapoa | 491 km | $7,300 | $15/passenger |
| PUU - Puerto Asis | 492 km | $7,315 | $15/passenger |
| GPI - Guapi | 498 km | $7,404 | $15/passenger |
| VGZ - Villa Garzon | 501 km | $7,449 | $15/passenger |
| AOP - Andoas | 511 km | $7,598 | $15/passenger |
| JAE - Jaén | 558 km | $8,296 | $17/passenger |
| TPN - Tiputini | 573 km | $8,519 | $17/passenger |
| PPN - Popayan | 590 km | $8,772 | $18/passenger |
| PTX - Pitalito | 598 km | $8,891 | $18/passenger |
| TQS - Tres Esquinas | 634 km | $9,426 | $19/passenger |
| FLA - Florencia | 635 km | $9,441 | $19/passenger |
| CIX - Chiclayo | 656 km | $9,753 | $20/passenger |
| LQM - Puerto Leguízamo | 662 km | $9,843 | $20/passenger |
| CHH - Chachapoyas | 663 km | $9,857 | $20/passenger |
| BUN - Buenaventura | 670 km | $9,962 | $20/passenger |
| RIJ - Rioja | 690 km | $10,259 | $21/passenger |
| CLO - Cali | 691 km | $10,274 | $21/passenger |
| CJA - Cajamarca | 730 km | $10,854 | $22/passenger |
| NVA - Neiva | 739 km | $10,987 | $22/passenger |
| SVI - San Vincente De Caguan | 742 km | $11,032 | $22/passenger |
| ULQ - Tulua | 746 km | $11,092 | $22/passenger |
| YMS - Yurimaguas | 748 km | $11,121 | $22/passenger |
| TPP - Tarapoto | 781 km | $11,612 | $23/passenger |
| COG - Condoto | 803 km | $11,939 | $24/passenger |
| AXM - Armenia | 811 km | $12,058 | $24/passenger |
| TRU - Trujillo | 812 km | $12,073 | $24/passenger |
| JJI - Juanjui | 819 km | $12,177 | $24/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your MEC Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Latin America region has jet fuel priced at $5.31/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from MEC
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Manta
Manta has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Travelers should expect humidity and potential monsoon or rainy seasons depending on the time of year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and staying hydrated is essential when navigating the airport and surrounding area.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through MEC
Traveling through Manta in the Americas, passengers should be aware that fuel prices in the Latin America region directly influence ticket pricing. North and South American airports generally have well-established ground transportation networks, including ride-sharing services, shuttles, and rental car agencies. For international arrivals, customs and immigration processing times vary significantly by country.
Planning Your Trip via MEC
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Eloy Alfaro International Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from MEC
- Fuel impact awareness: The Latin America region currently prices jet fuel at $5.31/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to MEC are PVO, SNC, GYE — consider these for potentially lower fares