The Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes, did not specify the new opening date for the airport terminal.
Peru's Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes, announced today the postponement of the start of operations at the new Jorge Chávez International Airport, given that the corresponding tests have not been completed.
He said that the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), the Lima Airport Partners (LAP) concessionaire, the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Public Transport Infrastructure (Ositran), the airlines, among others, met in early January of this year and reached a consensus that March 30 seemed a reasonable date to begin operations.
"On that date in early January, we gathered together the entire aeronautical community, the Ministry (of Transport and Communications), the airlines, LAP, the companies that do ramp work, all the stakeholders, and the date arose from the consensus within that space about what the remaining challenges were," he said.
"So we got together, evaluated what was pending, the stabilization of the ramp, that the fuel issue was still pending but was very close to being done, everything was scheduled and based on that schedule we said by March 15 we should have these tests completed, everything reviewed, everything cleared, and within that framework the date of March 30 was taken as a reference, it was a consensus, it was not an imposition by some of the actors or by us," he explained.
He also indicated that the Energy and Mining Investment Supervisory Agency (Osinergmin) has indicated that some tests are lacking regarding the safe supply of fuels, as well as the fault and leak detection system.
He explained that since some pending testing issues were not completed, it was decided to postpone the start of operations.
"This time we don't want to talk about a date again, because we believe we need to ensure that things are being technically fulfilled, that what happened doesn't happen again—that this estimate that all the stakeholders had made didn't materialize. This is a very important issue," he stated.
LAP'S RESPONSE
In a statement, LAP, the airport concessionaire, expressed its surprise that the MTC's press conference had not included it, " violating the principle of good faith" governing the concession contract and the agreements signed with the Peruvian government.
Regarding comprehensive testing, LAP indicated that the planning process was shared with all companies involved in the operation, as well as DGAC and OSITRAN, starting February 5, 2025. "The planning process was not questioned and has been fully executed, although the level of participation of those involved has not been optimal. The testing process must be one in which all stakeholders participate with the same level of commitment. On the other hand, the familiarization process basically depends on the availability of operators and airlines. The aircraft platform is available for interested parties to carry out exercises or tests that allow them to familiarize themselves with the new spaces."
Regarding the leak detection system, the concessionaire stated that the fuel plant already has a high-tech detection system that complies with current regulations. "What the Ministry of Transportation and Transport (MTC) said is incorrect, as the new fuel plant meets the expected and sufficient safety standards from a regulatory perspective," he added.
Finally, LAP urged the MTC to respect the concession contract and the Memorandum of Understanding, signed on January 30, 2025, "invoking the principle of good faith in the contract, as well as the principle of collaboration that must prevail in contractual relationships for the benefit of Peru."
