Lima’s New Terminal Boosts Future Connectivity
Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is gearing up for a major transformation with the opening of its brand-new terminal in March 2025. This expansion is poised to be a turning point in Lima’s aviation history, marking a significant boost in air connectivity and positioning the city as a crucial hub in Latin America.
According to Norbert Onkelbach, Chief Commercial Officer at LIM, the new terminal will be three times larger than the current facility. “The opening of the new airport, which will be three times larger than the current one, provides the opportunity to expand air connectivity, attracting new markets and airlines that promote inbound and outbound tourism,” Onkelbach explained during an interview with Aviation Week at Routes Americas 2025. This enhanced infrastructure is designed not only to meet growing passenger demand but also to attract airlines from around the world, including Europe and Asia, thereby stimulating both point-to-point traffic and connecting services.
Spanning an impressive 210,000 m² (2,260,420 ft²), the new terminal is engineered to initially handle up to 30 million passengers annually. However, planners have their sights set even higher, with the capacity expected to reach 40 million passengers by the end of the decade. This ambitious target reflects Lima’s strategic aim to manage a significant increase in air traffic and to support the city’s role as a regional aviation gateway.
Already, LIM has taken concrete steps towards this expansion. The airport’s second runway, which opened in April 2023, plays a crucial role in managing the growing number of flights. Combined with the new terminal, these developments will enable Jorge Chávez International Airport to handle the largest supply of aircraft operating in Lima efficiently.
Although the opening of the new terminal was initially scheduled for January 29, it has now been delayed to March 30, 2025. Onkelbach remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing that once operational, the expanded facility will be instrumental in driving both domestic and international travel. “Our main objective is to attract new entrants with routes from Europe or Asia, which will not only allow us to increase point-to-point traffic and connections but also promote tourism in the country,” he added.
Lima’s strategic location as a connecting bridge between the north and south of the American continent further enhances its appeal as an aviation hub. The airport plans to leverage this advantage by continuing to target regional markets in South America, as well as key markets in the U.S. and Canada. This comprehensive strategy aims to boost passenger flow and ensure that Lima remains at the heart of international air travel.
The expansion comes at a time when LIM is already demonstrating strong performance. In 2024, the airport surpassed pre-pandemic levels by serving more than 24 million passengers. It also successfully launched 10 new international routes and one domestic route, connecting passengers to over 40 destinations in 22 countries. These achievements underscore Lima’s growing prominence on the global aviation stage and highlight the positive impact that the new terminal will have on the local economy and tourism industry.
As Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport embarks on this transformative journey, the enhanced infrastructure and increased capacity are set to elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers. With improved connectivity, a modernized terminal, and a clear vision for future growth, Lima is poised to become a leading aviation hub in Latin America.
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