New Terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport Officially Begins Operations
The new Jorge Chávez terminal in Lima is now operating normally, aiming to establish itself as a key South American hub with the capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually.
The new terminal at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport officially commenced operations on Sunday, June 1. Following a trial phase known as "Marcha Blanca," during which more than 19,369 passengers and 7,664 pieces of luggage were processed, Lima Airport Partners (LAP) coordinated with the Ministry of Transport and Communications to initiate full operations at the upgraded facilities.
The complete transition of all flight operations to the new terminal was carried out after a scheduled 12-hour pause, from 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. This window allowed for the final and orderly relocation of aircraft, equipment, and staff. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte hailed the opening as a “world-class project” and a “symbol of the joint effort between the state, the private sector, and all Peruvians to better connect our country with the world.”
With an investment exceeding $2.4 billion—funded by LAP and third parties—the new Jorge Chávez terminal triples the capacity of its predecessor, spanning 935 hectares. Designed to handle up to 40 million passengers annually, the facility incorporates advanced security systems and an enhanced user experience. LAP projects the creation of over 121,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2025, with a significant economic impact on the Callao region and the country.
Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport, LAP’s parent company, stated that the goal is to “position Lima as one of the leading hubs in the continent, driving tourism, air cargo transport, and connectivity for all Peruvians.” He also emphasized the vision of developing “South America’s first Airport City,” integrating air transport with logistics, retail, and hospitality—transforming the airport into a hub of comprehensive economic development.
Juan José Salmón, CEO of LAP, added that the new terminal “will be a key engine for the country’s economic growth, generating opportunities for future generations, boosting business, and promoting the recovery of tourism.”
First Hours of Operation and Observations
Local media reports, including América Noticias, indicated that the new terminal has been operating smoothly since the early hours of June 2, handling both arrivals and departures without major issues. A steady flow of passengers was seen arriving by taxi and private vehicle, with the parking area reaching full capacity early in the day.
The first departure from the new terminal was a flight bound for Atlanta, while the first arrival came from Madrid. It is expected that nearly three million passengers will pass through the new terminal by the end of the year.
However, Peru’s Office of the Ombudsman, through Delcy Heredia, head of the Callao office, raised concerns about several shortcomings observed during an inspection on opening day. Reported issues included malfunctioning restrooms, lack of water in drinking fountains, problems with some elevators, and the presence of metal objects such as belt barriers that could pose risks to pedestrians.
The Ombudsman’s Office also expressed concern over the limited infrastructure for the National Police within the airport. While there was a visible police presence, the absence of a formal station or office was noted as a security gap. These findings will be communicated to LAP for prompt resolution.
AUTOR
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