Guayaquil airport boosts security after targeted attack

Security measures at Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport have been intensified following an armed assault on June 17 that targeted a known criminal leader and disrupted airport operations. The incident, which occurred at the international arrivals area, saw two minors allegedly open fire on Carlos Suástegui, identified by police as a high-priority target and leader of the 'Los Águilas' criminal group.

Mauro Freire, the airport's head of public relations, stated that while the fundamental security protocols remain the same, they are now being applied with greater intensity. "We have already met with other security institutions to reinforce security from the first control at the checkpoints to the internal areas of the entire terminal. The entire port perimeter is under increased observation," Freire explained.

Freire clarified that the airport employs three layers of security checks for entry, including random inspections of vehicles and pedestrians. These controls, which handle over 20,000 people daily, are adjusted based on demand to avoid excessive queues. "If we checked one by one, there would be endless lines. We have to understand that the airport terminal is a public area," he noted, comparing the procedures to those in many other South American airports.

The difference now lies in the frequency and thoroughness of these random checks. "Security has always existed, it's just that now it has been redoubled... it remains random, but with a smaller difference between people... the checks are being more meticulous," Freire added. Specific measures include using mirrors to inspect vehicle undersides, checking luggage compartments for explosives, logging motorcycle driver details, and using metal detectors for bags and gifts like flowers or plush toys. Security teams are stationed at every entrance, and passengers are required to show tickets or credentials justifying their presence.