New Terminal at Lima Airport to Open Its Doors on June 1
On June 1, the new terminal of the Lima International Airport will commence operations. The facility, which replaces the current one, has been designed to handle up to 40 million passengers annually in its first year of operation, as announced by Peru’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes.
A Calculated Transition: 12-Hour Closure for Full Switchover
The transition between the old and new terminals will be brief but critical. The current airport will operate until midnight on May 31st, after which it will close for 12 hours to complete the full transfer of operations to the new building. “By noon on June 1st, a Sunday, all airlines will already be operating in this new airport,” confirmed the minister during a press conference.
Operational Drills and Last-Minute Adjustments
In recent weeks, government authorities and representatives of the airport operating company have conducted multiple operational drills to ensure the new terminal functions optimally. Pérez Reyes emphasized that the results of these tests indicate the project is ready to begin operations, though he acknowledged that some adjustments will be needed in the initial weeks.
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To ensure a smooth launch, a “soft opening” will be implemented starting in the second half of May. This phase will include a limited number of controlled flights, allowing for fine-tuning before the terminal reaches full capacity.
From 15 to 40 Million Passengers: Unprecedented Capacity Leap
The new Jorge Chávez Airport will nearly triple the capacity of the current terminal, which can barely manage 15 million passengers per year. In its first year, the airport is expected to serve 30 million passengers, scaling up to 40 million shortly thereafter. “It will be the most modern airport in Latin America,” assured Pérez Reyes.
Urban Connectivity: Temporary Bridges and a Permanent Access Route in the Works
One of the project’s main logistical challenges has been connectivity between the airport and the city of Lima. Delays in the construction of the Santa Rosa Bridge, a key infrastructure piece to link the terminal with the capital, necessitated the installation of two temporary bridges over the Rímac River. The minister stated that the permanent bridge should be completed between March and June 2027.
The installation of large panels along the temporary bridge access drew criticism, particularly due to their placement in an impoverished area considered high-risk. Pérez Reyes responded by clarifying that the intent is not to hide the country’s social reality. Instead, the panels will feature representative images of Peru’s coast, highlands, and jungle, aiming to project a welcoming message to visitors.
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