The President of the Council of Ministers, Gustavo Adrianzén, acknowledged delays in the work and assured that the new terminal will only be inaugurated "when we have absolute certainty that all practices, ties, airport security and operations are 100% certified."
Through a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Peru (MTC) announced the rescheduling of the start of operations of the new Jorge Chávez International Airport for March 30, 2025, which was scheduled for January 29.
The news had already been announced by the President of the Council of Ministers, Gustavo Adrianzén. "According to the contract, this inauguration was scheduled for January 29; however, there have been delays that could be considered special attention to review this date. I repeat, the airport will only be inaugurated when we are absolutely certain that all practices, ties, airport security and operations are 100% certified," he said at a press conference in the afternoon.
In this regard, the MTC confirmed this news after holding a coordination meeting with all representatives of the aeronautical community: LAP, the Association of International Air Transport Companies (AETAI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Supervisory Body for Investment in Public Use Transport Infrastructure (Ositran) and the Urban Transport Authority (ATU), among other actors.
“The Government has a priority in ensuring the safety, efficiency and regularity of air operations, in accordance with the highest standards of civil aviation safety. In this regard, we have agreed to establish a 60-day period of tests on the air and ground sides, to ensure a safe and quality start to operations for users,” explained the Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes.
According to the MTC, this additional period will allow for comprehensive operational testing, identifying areas for improvement, making the necessary corrections and ensuring that the operating staff of the concessionaire, airlines and specialized services (catering, transportation, security, among others) are fully trained and familiar with the new terminal flow.
“Starting operations at an airport is a complex process. Therefore, the opening strategy will be carefully coordinated between LAP, the MTC DGAC and the airport community. Next week, in coordination with the concessionaire and all the actors involved, it will be decided whether the start of operations at the new airport will be carried out in phases or in an integrated manner,” said the head of the MTC.
Meanwhile, LAP's general manager, Juan José Salmón, said that this change will allow the process of putting the airport into operation to move forward, with the aim of ensuring that the entire airport community is 100% ready for operations at the new airport. "Joint work will be key in these last few weeks, as will a joint commitment to a gradual start that will guarantee a better experience for all airport users," said the general manager of LAP," he said.
