TAME Línea Aérea History
TAME ceased operations in May 2020 after the Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate the airline. This page is a historical and informational record — there are no current fares or flights to book.
TAME Is Not Operating
TAME Línea Aérea del Ecuador ceased operations on May 20, 2020, when the Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate the airline amid long-standing financial difficulties that were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic's severe impact on aviation. There is no indication of any relaunch as of today. There are no current routes, fares, or flights to search or book.
This page exists purely as a historical and informational reference on Ecuador's former flag carrier.
About TAME
TAME (Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos) was founded on December 17, 1962, originally as a military air transport service operated by the Ecuadorian Air Force before evolving into a full civilian carrier under state ownership. Over nearly 58 years, TAME grew into Ecuador's flag carrier and largest airline, operating from its hub at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO).
TAME played a distinctive and important role in Ecuadorian aviation as one of the primary carriers connecting the mainland to the Galápagos Islands, a route vital to the islands' tourism economy and to the movement of residents and goods. The airline also served routes into Ecuador's Amazon (Oriente) region, connecting remote communities that had limited alternative transportation options. Alongside this domestic network, TAME operated a limited number of international routes to neighboring South American countries and beyond.
Despite its central role in Ecuadorian aviation, TAME accumulated significant financial losses over the years as a state-owned enterprise. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought global air travel to a near standstill in early 2020, the Ecuadorian government determined the airline was no longer financially sustainable and made the decision to liquidate it, bringing an end to its 58-year history on May 20, 2020.
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Former Hub Airport
TAME operated from this base before it ceased operations in May 2020.
Cabin Classes (Historical)
What flying TAME looked like before the airline ceased operations in 2020.
Economy
- ✓Standard seating on domestic and regional international routes
- ✓Complimentary snack or light meal service on many flights
- ✓Checked baggage allowance included in most fares
- ✓Club TAME frequent flyer program
- ✓Primary cabin used on Galápagos and Amazon-region routes
Ejecutiva (Business)
- ✓Offered on select domestic and international routes
- ✓Priority check-in and boarding
- ✓Enhanced meal and beverage service
- ✓Extra legroom seating
- ✓Increased baggage allowance
Baggage Policy (Historical Reference Only)
TAME has not operated flights since May 2020. This information is retained for historical interest only and has no bearing on any current travel.
| Bag / Policy | Historical Economy |
|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | Historical: 1 standard carry-on item, domestic and international |
| Checked baggage | Historical: allowance varied by fare and route, including special rules for Galápagos-bound flights |
| Note | Retained for historical reference only — TAME is not operating and holds no bookable inventory |
What Flying With TAME Was Like
Check-In (Historical)
Passengers typically checked in at Mariscal Sucre International Airport counters or, on later routes, through early online check-in options, with standard identity and baggage procedures for domestic and Galápagos-bound travel.
Cancellation (Historical)
TAME's fare rules and change/cancellation policies varied by ticket type, following standard practices of Latin American full-service and semi-full-service carriers at the time.
In-Flight (Historical)
TAME's in-flight experience included light meal or snack service on many routes, with a focus on efficient regional connectivity across Ecuador's mainland, Galápagos, and Amazon destinations.
TAME's History & Shutdown
Founded as a Military Air Service
Dec 17, 1962TAME began as Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos, an air transport service operated by the Ecuadorian Air Force.
Transition to Civilian Flag Carrier
Post-1962TAME evolved into Ecuador's civilian flag carrier and largest airline, building an extensive domestic and limited international network.
Galápagos & Amazon Connectivity
Ongoing roleTAME became one of the key carriers linking mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands and Amazon (Oriente) region.
Mounting Financial Losses
Prior yearsAs a state-owned enterprise, TAME accumulated significant debt and operating losses over successive years.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
Early 2020The pandemic's near-total halt of global air travel in early 2020 severely worsened TAME's already fragile finances.
Government Decides to Liquidate
May 20, 2020The Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate TAME, ending nearly 58 years of operations.
Looking for Flights Instead of History?
- 1.TAME is non-operational and was liquidated in 2020 — if you're researching its story for aviation history or Ecuadorian travel interest, the details above reflect its role accurately.
- 2.If you need to book a flight within Ecuador or to the Galápagos Islands today, search current carriers such as LATAM Ecuador or Avianca on FareOptic for active fares.
- 3.For Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil connections into the Amazon region, compare current domestic Ecuadorian operators for available routes and schedules.
- 4.Be cautious of any third-party site claiming to sell 'TAME tickets' today — the airline has no live booking system, and such offers should not be trusted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The history and status of TAME, Ecuador's former flag carrier
Is TAME still operating?
No. TAME Línea Aérea del Ecuador ceased operations on May 20, 2020, when the Ecuadorian government decided to liquidate the airline amid long-standing financial difficulties that were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on aviation. There is no indication of any relaunch, and TAME has not resumed flying.
Can I book a flight on TAME today?
No. TAME has no active fleet, schedule, or booking system. There is no current fare to search or purchase.
Why did TAME stop flying in 2020?
TAME had struggled with mounting debt and financial losses for years as Ecuador's state-owned flag carrier. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought air travel to a near standstill in 2020, the Ecuadorian government determined the airline was no longer financially viable and decided to liquidate it rather than continue subsidizing its operations.
Did TAME fly to the Galápagos Islands?
Yes. TAME was one of the key carriers connecting mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands, alongside routes serving the Amazon (Oriente) region. This role made it an important part of Ecuador's domestic transportation network, particularly for tourism and regional connectivity.
What is TAME's current legal status?
TAME was formally liquidated by the Ecuadorian government following its May 2020 shutdown. As of today there is no indication of any relaunch or successor operation using the TAME name.
Where was TAME based?
TAME was headquartered in Quito and operated its hub from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), from which it ran its domestic network and a limited set of international routes.