New Terminal at Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport Begins Soft Opening
The new terminal at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport has taken its first step toward full operation. On May 15, it officially began its soft opening, a trial phase under real-world conditions designed to test systems, train staff, and fine-tune processes before the full launch. Over the next two weeks, the terminal will handle only international flights, with operations limited to 8 to 10 daily flights.
Five international airlines are authorized for this initial phase: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Europa, Volaris, Arajet, and Wingo. The first flight is scheduled to land on Thursday at 8:00 p.m., arriving from Buenos Aires.
A Next-Generation Infrastructure with Historic Investment
The new terminal represents a $2 billion investment and is designed to double passenger capacity, increasing from 15 to 30 million travelers annually. The transformation is significant: the airport will feature 46 boarding bridges, up from the current terminal’s 19. It also includes a remotely operated baggage handling system and state-of-the-art CT scanners, considered the most advanced on the continent.
The commercial space is also expanding dramatically, with 100 establishments set to open, including banks, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, and retail stores. Of these, 75 will open their doors on June 1, coinciding with the terminal’s full operational launch.
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Access and Transportation: The Challenge of Efficient Connectivity
One critical aspect is access to the new terminal. Currently, the only available route is via Morales Duárez Avenue, which has been upgraded with new asphalt, signage, and traffic lights. Inside the facility, four access points have been enabled: a bus stop, a pedestrian entrance via the boulevard, and a parking area for public transportation.
The AeroDirecto system will play a key role during this phase. These buses will operate on exclusive routes from Morales Duárez and will be available to both passengers and airport staff.
Full Transition on June 1: The Old Makes Way for the New
Starting June 1, all operations will shift to the new terminal. During this transition, flights will be suspended between 12:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to allow for the migration of services. The old and new terminals will be connected via internal pathways to facilitate transfers.
To ensure a smooth transition, 245 flights have been rescheduled. Airlines are required to notify their passengers clearly about the changes.
The new terminal not only marks a leap forward for Peruvian aviation but also represents a commitment to efficiency and the modernization of air travel in the region. With this advancement, Lima solidifies its position as a strategic hub in South America.
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