Book Cheap Flights to Manta from UK

Cheap Flights to Manta from the UK

Manta flights from London take 18-24 hours with one or two connections. The city is served by Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC), located about 3 miles from the centre.

Most flights connect through Quito, Guayaquil. Airlines like LATAM, Avianca, KLM and Iberia offer the best connections.

Return fares range from £520-750 in low season to £900-1,200 during peak periods. February-May / September-November typically offers the best deals.

Manta is in Ecuador. June to November (dry season, whale watching) is the best time to visit.

Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) – Facilities & Travel Guide

Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) is the main gateway to Manta, Ecuador. Located approximately 3 miles from the city centre, it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport offers essential facilities for travellers including currency exchange, shops and restaurants.

Eloy Alfaro International Airport provides facilities for travellers including:

Terminals: Check-in desks, security and departure lounges.
Shopping and Dining: Restaurants, cafes and duty-free shops.
Currency Exchange: Exchange bureaus in arrivals and departures.
Wi-Fi and Charging: Available throughout the terminal.
Lounges: Business lounges for premium passengers.

Eloy Alfaro International Airport is connected to the city by various transport options:

Taxis: Available outside arrivals. Journey time depends on traffic.
Ride-hailing: Uber and local apps operate in most cities.
Bus: Local buses connect to the city centre.
Private Transfers: Pre-bookable for a comfortable journey.

Tips for travelling through Eloy Alfaro International Airport:

Arrive Early: Allow 2-3 hours before international flights.
Cash: Carry local currency for small purchases.
Documents: Keep passport and boarding pass accessible.
Flight Information: Check display boards for updates.

Flight Times to Manta

There are no direct flights from the UK to Manta. All routes require at least one connection, typically through Quito or Guayaquil.

Typical flight durations with layovers:

Via Quito: Around 18-24 hours total.
Via Guayaquil: Around 18-24 hours total.
Via Panama City: Around 18-24 hours total.

Layover recommendations:

Minimum layover: Allow at least 2-3 hours for connections.
Overnight layovers can sometimes offer cheaper fares.
Major hub airports offer lounges and hotels for longer waits.

Manta operates on GMT-5, which is 5 hours behind London during standard time.

Airlines Flying to Manta

LATAM

Avianca

KLM

Iberia

Copa Airlines

Manta Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	February-May / September-November	£520-750
Economy - Mid Season	Shoulder months	£750-900
Economy - High Season	June-August / December-January	£900-1,200+
Business - Low Season	February-May / September-November	£2,600-3,400
Business - High Season	June-August / December-January	£3,400-5,000+

Booking Tips:

Book 6-8 weeks before travel to save up to 15-25%.
Avoid peak holiday periods when prices surge.
Fly midweek (Tue-Thu) for cheaper fares.
Consider one-stop flights for better value than more direct routings.

Best Time to Book Manta Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Last-minute deals can appear but aren't guaranteed

February-May / September-November offers the best value

Sweet spot

6-8 weeks before travel for best combination of availability and price.

Avoid Booking

Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)

During June-August / December-January unless necessary

School holiday periods if flexible

Things to Do in Manta

Beaches

Murciélago beach in the city, or head to Playa San Lorenzo for surfing. Los Frailes in Machalilla National Park is stunning.

Whale watching

June to September brings humpback whales to the coast. Isla de la Plata is the prime viewing spot.

Machalilla National Park

Ecuador's only coastal national park. Dry forest, archaeological sites and pristine beaches.

Montecristi

The true home of the 'Panama hat'. Visit workshops to see master weavers craft these iconic pieces.

Seafood

Manta is Ecuador's tuna capital. Fresh ceviche and grilled fish at the Tarqui fish market and beachfront restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from London to Manta?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Manta?

How much does a flight to Manta cost?

Which airlines fly from UK to Manta?

Which London airport has flights to Manta?

Is Manta or Guayaquil better to fly into?

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to ATOL Certificate