New Terminal at Lima Airport Officially Welcomes Inaugural Flight

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Key Takeaways

• New Lima Airport terminal opened June 1, 2025, tripling size to 270,000 m² and doubling passenger capacity to 30 million.
• Access now only via Avenida Morales Duárez with no pedestrian routes; public buses and Aerodirecto provide transportation.
• Terminal features advanced CT security scanners, Wi-Fi, local art, and 8,000 m² of restaurants showcasing Peruvian cuisine.

Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport Welcomes Travelers to Its New Terminal

Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport has officially opened its new terminal, marking a major step forward for Peru’s aviation sector. The new terminal began full operations on June 1, 2025, after a carefully planned transition from the old facility. This move is the result of a USD 2 billion expansion project that started in 2019, aiming to boost Peru’s role as a key travel hub in South America.

New Terminal at Lima Airport Officially Welcomes Inaugural Flight

This article explains what travelers, airlines, and the wider community can expect from the new terminal at Lima Airport. It covers the main features, how the transition happened, travel tips, and what this means for Peru’s future.

What’s New at Jorge Chávez International Airport?

The new terminal at Lima Airport is much bigger and more modern than the old one. It covers 270,000 square meters (about 2.9 million square feet), making it three times larger than the previous terminal. There are now four floors of service areas, compared to just two before. This means more space for passengers, shops, restaurants, and services.

Key features of the new terminal:

Capacity for 30 million passengers per year, double the old terminal’s limit of 15 million.
Plans to expand further by the end of 2025, aiming for a total capacity of 40 million passengers annually.
Four floors with modern amenities and services.
Over 8,000 square meters dedicated to restaurants, many serving Peru’s famous cuisine.
Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.
Artwork from local Peruvian artists, showing the coast, rainforest, and mountains.

The expansion also included a second runway, a new air traffic control tower, more aircraft parking spots, better energy supply, and improved transport connections. These upgrades help make Lima Airport safer, more efficient, and ready for future growth.

How Did the Transition Happen?

The switch from the old terminal to the new one was carefully planned to avoid problems for travelers and airlines. The process started with a two-week “soft opening” on May 15, 2025. During this time, the airport tested its systems by handling 116 flights. The first international flight to use the new terminal was an Aerolíneas Argentinas flight from Buenos Aires, which landed at 8:00 p.m. on May 15 with 180 passengers.

On the night of May 31 to June 1, all airport operations moved to the new terminal. Airlines, government agencies, and airport partners worked together to make the change as smooth as possible. All flights were paused during the transition to ensure safety. The old terminal closed at 11:59 p.m. on May 31, and the new terminal opened at noon on June 1.

Travelers were advised to:

Check with their airline for updated flight times.
Arrive early to allow extra time for check-in, immigration, and security, as there could be delays during the transition period.

Getting to the New Terminal: Access and Transportation

One of the biggest changes with the new terminal is how travelers get to and from the airport. The access routes are completely different from the old terminal.

Important details:

Access is only via Avenida Morales Duárez. Travelers should not use the old routes.
Entry and exit currently use two temporary Bailey bridges.
There is no pedestrian access. The distance from the entry bridges to the terminal is about 1.24 miles (2 km), so walking is not practical or allowed.
A permanent bridge connecting Costa Verde with Av. Santa Rosa and the airport is planned for completion by 2026.

Transportation options include:

Public buses
Private Lima Airport Express shuttles
Private vehicles
Aerodirecto: A 24/7 public bus service with five stops across Lima, running every 15 minutes. Fares range from 2 to 5 soles, depending on the stop.

These changes mean travelers should plan their journey to the airport carefully, especially during the first months of the new terminal’s operation.

Terminal Features: Modern Technology and Peruvian Culture

The new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport is designed to be both modern and welcoming. It uses the latest technology to make travel safer and faster, while also celebrating Peru’s rich culture.

Highlights include:

Advanced security: The terminal uses highly efficient CT scanners for aviation security, making the screening process quicker and more reliable.
Cultural artwork: Local artists have created pieces that represent Peru’s coast, rainforest, and mountains. These artworks are displayed throughout the terminal, giving travelers a sense of place.
Dining: With over 8,000 square meters of restaurant space, travelers can enjoy a wide range of Peruvian dishes, known worldwide for their quality and flavor.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the terminal, helping travelers stay connected.

These features aim to make the travel experience more enjoyable and efficient for everyone passing through Lima Airport.

The new terminal is not just about bigger buildings and more flights. It is expected to have a big impact on Peru’s economy and society.

Key benefits:

Job creation: About 120,000 jobs are expected to be created, helping people in nearby communities.
Boost to tourism: The larger, modern airport will help Peru recover and grow its tourism sector, which is important for the country’s economy.
Improved connectivity: Lima is set to become a major air hub in South America, with better connections to the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
Airport City: The project includes plans for the first “Airport City” in South America. This will link air travel with cargo, logistics, retail, and hotels, creating even more jobs and business opportunities.

Official statements:

Dr. Stefan Schulte, Fraport CEO: “The opening of the terminal is a milestone – not just for Fraport, but also for Peru and South America. Our goal is to make Lima one of the continent’s most important hubs, providing a boost to tourism, air cargo traffic and connectivity for all Peruvians.”
José Salmon, Lima Airport Partners CEO: “The new terminal is the heartbeat of Peru. This airport will create approximately 120,000 jobs, benefiting our neighboring communities. Furthermore, the airport will contribute to our country’s economic growth, creating jobs for future generations, boosting business, and promoting the recovery of tourism.”

These statements show the high hopes that leaders have for the new terminal’s role in Peru’s future.

Important Travel Information for International Visitors

Travelers using the new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport should be aware of several important rules and tips, especially those coming from the United States 🇺🇸 and other countries.

Key points:

Arrive early: The U.S. Embassy recommends allowing extra time for check-in, immigration, and security, especially during the first weeks of the new terminal’s operation.
Exit fines: If you have overstayed your authorized time in Peru, you must pay exit fines in advance online through the Peruvian government’s Banco de la Nación platform (https://pagalo.pe). These fines cannot be paid at the airport. If you arrive without proof of payment, you may not be allowed to board your flight.
Entry documents: Citizens of most South American countries (except Venezuela, Surinam, and Guyana) can enter Peru with a national ID card. Travelers from other countries must present a valid passport.
No immigration forms: Travelers do not need to fill out any immigration forms before arriving in Peru.
Security: There have been reports of robberies on routes to and from the airport. Thieves sometimes break car windows while vehicles are stopped in traffic. Travelers should stay alert and keep their belongings secure at all times.

For more details on travel safety and requirements, travelers can visit the U.S. State Department’s Peru Country Information Page.

The Transition: What Airlines and Passengers Did

The move to the new terminal required close teamwork between airlines, airport staff, and government agencies. All flights were paused during the transition hours to make sure everything went smoothly and safely.

What happened:

Airlines rescheduled flights and informed passengers about new departure times or flight options.
The old terminal closed at 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2025.
The new terminal opened at noon on June 1, 2025.
Passengers were advised to check with their airlines and arrive early.

This careful planning helped avoid confusion and made the changeover as smooth as possible.

Security and Safety: What Travelers Need to Know

Safety is a top priority at the new terminal. The U.S. Embassy has reminded travelers to be careful on their way to and from the airport, as there have been incidents of theft. Thieves sometimes use tools to break car windows when vehicles are stopped in traffic.

Tips for staying safe:

Keep your belongings out of sight and close to you.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in traffic.
Use official transportation services when possible.

For more information on crime trends and safety tips in Peru, travelers can check the U.S. State Department’s Peru Country Information Page.

Looking Ahead: Future Developments at Lima Airport

The opening of the new terminal is just the beginning. Several more projects are planned to make Jorge Chávez International Airport even better.

Upcoming developments:

Further terminal expansion by the end of 2025, increasing capacity to 40 million passengers per year.
Permanent bridge connecting Costa Verde with the airport, expected to be finished by 2026.
Conversion of the old terminal into a large shopping center.
Development of the Callao Logistics Park and a new aviation fuel plant.
New hotels, parking, and ground handling services are in the works, with tenders ongoing.

These projects will help Lima Airport keep up with growing demand and offer even more services to travelers.

Why This Matters: Implications for Travelers, Airlines, and Peru

The new terminal at Lima Airport is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Peru’s growth and its role in connecting people across the world. For travelers, it means a more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable experience. For airlines, it offers more space and better facilities to serve passengers. For Peru, it brings jobs, business opportunities, and a stronger position as a travel hub in South America.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the opening of the new terminal is expected to boost tourism, support economic recovery, and create thousands of jobs. It also sets a new standard for airports in the region, combining modern technology with local culture.

Practical Tips for Using the New Terminal

If you are planning to travel through Jorge Chávez International Airport’s new terminal, here are some practical tips:

Check your airline’s website for the latest information on flight times and check-in procedures.
Plan your route to the airport in advance, using the new access via Avenida Morales Duárez.
Use official transportation options like Aerodirecto buses or Lima Airport Express shuttles.
Arrive early, especially during the first months of operation, to allow time for any unexpected delays.
Pay any exit fines online before you go to the airport if you have overstayed your visa or authorized time in Peru.
Keep your belongings secure and stay alert while traveling to and from the airport.

Conclusion: A New Era for Lima and Peru

The opening of the new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport is a major achievement for Peru 🇵🇪. It shows the country’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and welcoming more visitors from around the world. With its larger size, modern technology, and focus on both efficiency and culture, the new terminal is set to make Lima Airport a top choice for travelers in South America and beyond.

For more official information about traveling to and from Peru, including entry and exit requirements, visit the Peruvian government’s official migration website.

By planning ahead and staying informed, travelers can make the most of the new terminal’s features and enjoy a smoother journey through Lima. The future looks bright for Jorge Chávez International Airport, its passengers, and Peru as a whole.

Learn Today

Terminal → The main building at an airport where passengers check in, board, and arrive from flights.
Runway → A strip of land where aircraft take off and land at an airport.
Soft Opening → A trial period to test new facilities with limited operations before full opening.
Aerodirecto → A 24/7 public bus service connecting Lima city with the new airport terminal at regular intervals.
CT Scanner → Advanced tomographic technology used in security to screen passengers and luggage efficiently.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lima’s new Jorge Chávez Airport terminal, opened June 2025, tripled size and doubled passenger capacity. New access routes and advanced security improve travel efficiency while showcasing Peru’s culture. This major upgrade supports economic growth and tourism, positioning Lima as a key South American aviation hub for future decades.
— By VisaVerge.com