LATAM to Cancel Lima-Tucuman Route Starting March 2026: These Are Reasons
LATAM Airlines Peru confirmed this Wednesday that it will cease operations on the international Lima–Tucuman route starting March 29, 2026, a decision that directly impacts the air connectivity of northern Argentina with the rest of the region and with long-haul destinations.
The company explained that this measure is a response to recent changes in the cost structure of Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, which significantly affect connecting passengers and the regional hub model.
Key Factor Behind the Cancellation
As detailed by the airline, the suspension of service is linked to the implementation of the Unified Airport Usage Fee (TUUA) for international transfers at Peru’s main airport.
This new charge increases the total cost of travel for those connecting in Peru to a third country. Consequently, it weakens the strategic role of Lima as a regional connection hub, especially compared to other hubs like Bogota and Panama, which have comparable destination networks, do not apply additional transfer fees, and offer shorter connection times.
A Route Designed for International Connectivity
The link between Lima and Tucuman had been conceived with a clear focus on international connectivity, as well as boosting the economic and tourism development of the region.
→ LATAM Airlines Presents Its New Brand Promise: “Welcome to Going Higher”
LATAM Airlines Peru emphasized that connecting passengers are essential to reaching the necessary demand to sustain flights in the long term. This type of operation generates concrete benefits for both the country of origin and Peru, as well as its entire airport ecosystem.
Options for Affected Passengers
Customers with reservations after March 29, 2026, will have alternatives offered by the company. They can request a full refund of the amount paid through LATAM’s customer service channels or reschedule their trip departing from Salta or via Buenos Aires, connecting with another associated airline to their final destination.
A Context of International Network Adjustments
The cancellation of the Lima-Tucuman route adds to other recent decisions within the international operations of LATAM Airlines Peru. The company also confirmed the suspension of flights from Lima to Orlando, Lima to Curacao, and Lima to Florianopolis.
Furthermore, two routes that were scheduled to be launched during the first quarter of 2026 have been canceled: Guatemala-Lima and Belo Horizonte-Lima.
LATAM’s Stance on the TUUA
LATAM Airlines Peru regretted that, during the implementation of this fee, passenger benefits and the sustainability of regional connectivity were not prioritized. Despite this scenario, the company reaffirmed its willingness to continue dialogue with the involved stakeholders in Peru, aiming to find solutions that allow preserving Lima’s role as a competitive and efficient hub for South America.
The airline made it clear that maintaining a solid connection network is key to the development of air transport in the region, especially in a context where competition between connection hubs is increasingly fierce.
Related Topics
Air Europa Announces New Non-Stop Route Between Madrid and Johannesburg Starting June 2026
Lufthansa Receives Its Boeing 787-9 in Frankfurt with Special Livery for Airline’s Centennial
Finnair Announces Flights to Melbourne via Bangkok Starting October 2026
EASA Orders Inspections on Airbus A320 Aircraft for Possible Defective Panels
Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.