PERU. Fraport subsidiary Lima Airport Partners (LAP) today celebrates the official opening of the new terminal at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport.
On the night of 31 May to 1 June, airlines, government agencies and commercial partners will relocate from Lima’s old terminal. The opening was preceded by a two-week soft launch period involving four airlines to ensure an efficient start of operations and operational stability.
The new terminal is three times larger than the previous one. By the end of 2025, it will be expanded further to cover 270,000sq m, providing capacity to receive up to 40 million passengers annually. With its modular design, the terminal’s capacity can be increased to accommodate future growth.
Active commercial space in the terminal spans around 27,000sq m, with 19,000 for retail, dining and other services, plus 8,000sq m for lounges.
LAP has recruited around 30 commercial partners for the new terminal, many of which are already well established at Lima Airport. These include Lagardère Travel Retail for duty free and food & beverage; Costa-Rica-based Morpho Travel Experience for speciality retail as well as Peruvian companies such as Acurio Restaurants, Retail Services, Incalpaca, Grupo Michell among others for both F&B and speciality retail.
Key elements of the US$2 billion expansion programme included a second runway, a new air traffic control tower, aircraft parking positions, energy supply facilities, transportation connections, and parking facilities for passengers and visitors.
Fraport CEO Dr Stefan Schulte said: “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.
“The opening of this flagship project clearly symbolises our commitment to Peru. We’ve worked together with our Lima Airport subsidiary and our partners to build the new terminal and the first Airport City in South America, connecting air travel with cargo, logistics, retail, and hotels.”
The new terminal reflects Peru’s history and culture. Works created in partnership with local Peruvian artists are located throughout the terminal, representing the country’s three regions – the coast, the rainforest, and the mountains. In addition, Peru’s world-famous cuisine is reflected across 8,000sq m of dining space as well as in the stores.
Lima Airport Partners CEO José Salmon said: “The new terminal is the heartbeat of Peru. This airport will create approximately 120,000 jobs, benefiting our neighbouring 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.”
Fraport AG has been operating in Lima since 2001. The Fraport Group holds an 80.01% stake in LAP, the airport’s operating company (the remaining 19.99% is held by International Finance Corporation). LAP has a concession to manage the airport in Lima until 2041, with an option for an extension.
The opening comes just before the ASUTIL Conference takes place in Lima next week (3-6 June), which will gather duty-free players from around the region.
*Click here for a 2024 interview with LAP Chief Commercial Officer Norbert Onkelbach, who outlines the vision and prospects for retail and dining at the new terminal, and the design strategy planned with Vancouver-based SmartDesign Group. ✈
