happens a new airport will be built in the Daular area, some 20 kilometers outside the city, near the highway that connects Guayaquil to Salinas and other coastal towns. José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport was named "Best Airport in Latin America 2008 & 2009" by BusinessWeek and the second best in 2011. All domestic flights going from the Ecuadorian mainland to the Galápagos Islands make a stop in Guayaquil to refuel and pick up passengers due to its location, which is the closest point in Ecuador to the islands. Airlines and destinations Passenger Cargo Statistics Accolades 2011 – 2nd Best Airport in Latin America – Caribbean of the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International and Best Airport by Size in the 2 to 5 million passenger category. See also Transport in Ecuador List of airports in Ecuador References External links José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport at OurAirports Autoridad Aeroportuaria de Guayaquil Accommodations near the airport in Guayaquil Airports in Ecuador Buildings and structures in Guayaquil