Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the main international airport serving Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and one of the busiest airports in South America. It opened in 2013, replacing the old Quito airport located dangerously close to the city center, and is situated in Tababela, approximately 18 kilometers east of the city. The airport is named after Antonio José de Sucre, a South American independence hero and a key figure in Ecuadorian history. It was developed as a modern facility designed to handle growing passenger and cargo traffic while offering improved safety margins compared to its predecessor. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, Mariscal Sucre is one of the higher-altitude international airports in the world. Its location and altitude present unique operational considerations for aircraft performance and scheduling.