Ecuador airport moved to avoid fatal crashes

Pilots landing in Quito must weave around hills and buildings, resulting in numerous fatal accidents.

Pilots landing in Ecuador’s capital must weave around hills and buildings, diving sharply to reach the runway.

During its 53 years of operation, there have been more than a dozen fatal accidents at Quito’s international airport, with planes either crashing near the airport or skidding off the runway.

But these days are almost over: The airport in the heart of the capital is closing, and a new airport 44km away from Quito begins operations on Wednesday.

Al Jazeera’s Mariana Sanchez has more.

Source: Al Jazeera