(Recasts, adds restriction of people flying from Mexico)
QUITO, April 29 (Reuters) - Ecuador on Wednesday barred foreigners who have been in Mexico from arriving in the country on commercial flights as a precaution against swine flu, aviation and health officials said.
The Andean country also suspended charter flights to and from Mexico to prevent the spread of the virus that has fueled fears of global pandemic.
Top aviation official Guillermo Bernal said authorities have notified airlines that passengers who have been in Mexico will not be allowed into Ecuador, although Ecuadoreans will be allowed to return home. He said if a traveler from Mexico enters the country they will be closely monitored for flu symptoms.
"This applies to commercial airlines that have connections in Mexico," Bernal said.
Bernal said Ecuador has no direct flights to Mexico, and private charter flights were sporadic.
Tourism Minister Veronica Sion said the limits on air travelers coming from Mexico will last a month, although restrictions could also apply to passengers coming from other countries hit by swine flu.
She said Ecuadoreans flying from Mexico will will be monitored.
Ecuador officials have not confirmed any swine flu cases. Authorities are carrying out medical checks on travelers arriving from Mexico and the southwest United States and have placed regional hospitals under alert to monitor for symptoms.
Health Minister Caroline Chang declared a national state of emergency earlier on Wednesday to channel more funds to hospitals and clinics and the government banned imports of pigs and pork products from Mexico and the United States.
(Reporting by Alonso Soto; editing by Patrick Markey and Cynthia Osterman)