Americas

Ecuador airport moved to avoid fatal crashes

Pilots landing in Quito must weave around hills and buildings, resulting in numerous fatal accidents.
Last Modified: 19 Feb 2013 09:11

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.

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