Lima Airport Partners (LAP), the organisation responsible for the construction of the new ‘Jorge Chavez’ airport, has confirmed that the inauguration of the country’s first airport terminal will take place on 18 December.
Representatives of the Peruvian Association of Incoming and Domestic Tour Operators (APOTUR) visited the facilities of the new terminal and received the latest information on the progress of the works.
According to the LAP spokesman, ‘the airport is currently 94 per cent complete and work is being carried out in three shifts’ in order to be ready for the official opening date.
Internal passenger tests have started and in October external passenger tests will begin, as well as the transfer of passengers,” says LAP.
Doubts
However, members of the Peruvian Association of Incoming and Domestic Tour Operators – APOTUR – have expressed concern about the current progress of work at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, following a visit to the facilities.
They pointed out that the installation of computer equipment, internet, lighting, etc. has not yet been completed.
Guru Sharma, Managing Director of Travel Group Peru S.A. and associate member of APOTUR, doubts that the airport will be 100% operational by 18 December, the date of the inauguration.
He also claims that December is the busiest month for passengers arriving in Peru and also going abroad for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Latam, for example, has already expressed its concern and I believe that the inauguration date should be postponed until January 2025, when the entire move will be as smooth as possible and without any setbacks,” says Sharma.
However, he points out that the modern airport will definitely be better than the current one, as there will be better facilities for travellers, whether arriving, departing or embarking.
Finally, he calls on the authorities to improve the entrance and exit area of the airport (Av. Morales Duarez), which currently has a high level of insecurity and poor lighting at night.
