DGAC Ecuador

The Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) is the central regulatory authority responsible for the oversight, safety, and operational standards of civil aviation within the Republic of Ecuador. It occupies a critical position in the aerospace value chain as the sovereign gatekeeper for airspace management, technical certification, and airport administration. The organisation is tasked with ensuring that all aeronautical activities comply with both domestic law and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As a state regulator, its primary stakeholders include commercial airlines, private operators, and maintenance organisations operating within Ecuadorian territory. The agency manages air traffic control services and oversees the infrastructure of both international and regional airports, including those serving the Galápagos Islands. It coordinates with international bodies to harmonise safety protocols and provides the legal framework under which domestic carriers and foreign operators must function to maintain airworthiness and operational certificates. Prospective partners or operators should verify the current validity of specific Technical Circulars and the status of the State Safety Programme before engagement. It is essential to confirm the current administrative procedures for the registration of aircraft and the specific licensing requirements for flight crew and technical personnel. Parties should also validate the status of bilateral aviation safety agreements that may exist between Ecuador and their respective home jurisdictions.