TAME
Ecuador’s former state-owned flag carrier, TAME operated scheduled domestic and regional international services, with Quito as its principal hub.
About TAME
TAME was founded in 1962 as Transportes Aéreos Militares Ecuatorianos, initially under the Ecuadorian Air Force, and later became a state-owned commercial airline known legally as TAME EP. Its identity was closely tied to Ecuador’s need for reliable air links between the capital, coastal cities, remote Amazonian communities and the Galápagos Islands. The carrier suspended operations in 2020 and subsequently entered liquidation, so it no longer sells or operates scheduled passenger flights.
Quito was TAME’s primary hub, while Guayaquil was another major departure point. Esmeraldas, Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands also supported significant parts of its network. The airline served 16 destinations across three countries on 38 routes, combining domestic services with selected regional international links. Its destinations included Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Esmeraldas, Coca, Lago Agrio, Macas, Manta, Latacunga, Bogotá and Cali.
Aircraft associated with TAME’s later operations included Airbus A319 and A320 narrow-body jets alongside Embraer ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 regional jets. This mix allowed the airline to match capacity with trunk routes and thinner domestic services. Passenger cabins were generally configured for economy travel, with business-class or enhanced front-cabin service offered on selected aircraft and routes rather than consistently throughout the network.
TAME was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It operated its own loyalty programme, TAME Millas, through which eligible passengers could earn and redeem miles under the programme’s rules. Because the airline has ceased operating and is in liquidation, former membership benefits, mileage balances and redemption options should not be assumed to remain available.
TAME’s main strength was the breadth of its domestic coverage, particularly connections linking Quito and Guayaquil with smaller Ecuadorian cities, Amazonian communities and the Galápagos Islands. These routes played an important transport role in terrain where overland journeys can be lengthy. However, the airline experienced persistent financial and operational difficulties, and its 2020 shutdown means historical schedules, baggage rules and service descriptions are useful only as background rather than guidance for booking current travel.
Good to know
Flying with TAME — what to expect
Operations Have Ended
TAME suspended scheduled operations in 2020 and entered liquidation. Travellers should not expect its former website, ticket offices or loyalty services to support new bookings.
Domestic Network Legacy
The airline was particularly important for links from Quito and Guayaquil to Ecuador’s smaller coastal, highland and Amazonian communities.
Galapagos Travel
TAME formerly served the Galápagos Islands, where travellers are subject to separate conservation, transit-control and entry requirements administered by Ecuadorian authorities.
Baggage Rules Varied
Historical baggage allowances depended on the route, fare and cabin. Any old TAME ticket documentation should be reviewed directly rather than relying on archived general allowances.
Former Loyalty Scheme
TAME Millas was the carrier’s own frequent-flyer programme, but benefits and mileage redemptions should be treated as unavailable following the airline’s closure.
Network overview
Where TAME flies
TAME operates 38 routes to 16 destinations across 3 countries, its longest sector reaching Galapagos Islands to Quito (1,312 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities TAME flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Galapagos Islands → Quito
1,312 km · GPS → UIO
The longest sector in the TAME network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by TAME
More from Ecuador
Other airlines based in Ecuador
FAQ
TAME — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- TAME’s longest route was from the Galapagos Islands to Quito, about 1,312 km nonstop.
- Before suspending operations, TAME served Ecuadorian destinations including Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Esmeraldas, Coca, Lago Agrio, Macas, Manta, Latacunga and the Galápagos Islands, as well as regional cities such as Bogotá and Cali.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because TAME no longer operates, searches will generally surface current alternatives rather than TAME flights.
- TAME served exactly 16 destinations across three countries, operating 38 routes. The airline no longer operates scheduled passenger services.
- The busiest departure points in TAME’s network were Quito and Guayaquil, followed by Esmeraldas, Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands. These were the locations with the greatest number of routes.
- TAME’s historical carry-on allowance varied by fare, route and aircraft, and archived rules should not be treated as current. Passengers holding unresolved historical documentation should consult the relevant liquidation or consumer-protection authority.
- TAME no longer sells plane tickets because it suspended operations in 2020. For travel within Ecuador, compare current airlines across flexible dates and avoid peak holiday periods when possible.
- TAME’s primary hub was Quito, with Guayaquil also serving as a major departure point. Esmeraldas, Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands were other important bases within its network.