The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), and the International Air Transport Enterprises Association (AETAI) expressed their concern over the new delay in the inauguration of the new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport (AIJCH) in Lima, which was scheduled for March 30, 2025. According to the associations, this postponement generates uncertainty and harm for airlines, passengers, suppliers, and the entire airport community.

Although they acknowledge that the Government’s decision was made with the intention of ensuring a safe and efficient operation, by confirming that the conditions are still not ideal for the operational move, the aviation sector organizations emphasize that the preparation process carried out by Lima Airport Partners (LAP) still presents challenges.

"While we observe progress in the development of this important infrastructure and the preparation process carried out by Lima Airport Partners (LAP), the failure to achieve its -expected- opening on the committed date demonstrates the need for more appropriate planning and coordination with all the actors in the aviation sector who are actively participating in the tests, users, and authorities, as well as greater transparency with them and with the public," the statement reads.

The airlines consider it essential to conduct more tests until it is assured that the appropriate service and safety standards for air operations will be maintained. "It's crucial to conduct more tests, until it is guaranteed that in a real operational scenario, an adequate level of service for passengers and the safety conditions required for air operations, an intransigent pillar of our industry, will be maintained," they highlight. Furthermore, they express their willingness to continue collaborating with the aim of achieving a successful start of operations. "Airlines will continue to collaborate fully in order to achieve a successful and near-term start of operations," they add.

Among the aspects that still need to be resolved, the associations mention several key points that have been communicated both to the authorities and LAP. These include:

• Lack of sufficient tests with a higher volume of passengers, luggage, and aircraft in an integrated manner.
• Lack of a proper familiarization and training period for staff on the new procedures, both on the ground side and the air side.
• Persistence of unresolved issues in key systems for operations, such as the BHS and HBS systems (baggage handling and control systems).
• Obtaining all the necessary licenses and authorizations, such as those related to the fuel supply system.

The associations reiterated their willingness to continue working jointly with all the public and private actors involved in the development of the new terminal, in order to strengthen the country’s air connectivity and competitiveness.

"We remain available to the various public and private actors in order to continue working together, responsibly, and in coordination in the development of the country's main entry and exit air gateway, strengthening its air connectivity and competitiveness," concludes the statement.