Peru: New connection fee at Lima Airport raises concern in the air travel s

Peru: New connection fee at Lima Airport raises concern in the air travel sector

29-11-25

Peruvian authorities have recently approved Lima Airport Partners’ (LAP) new so-called Unified Airport Use Fee (TUUA) for transfer passengers connecting through Jorge Chávez International Airport (AIJC) in Lima. With this green light, the charge — which had already been proposed by LAP under the terms of its concession contract with the Peruvian State — will officially be applied from 7 December 2025 to passengers making international flight connections.

The approved fee for international transit passengers (INT-INT) is set at 10.05 US dollars per traveler, plus the General Sales Tax (IGV). For domestic or national connections, the proposed amount was 6.32 dollars, although in this case collection has been temporarily suspended.

According to LAP, this charge corresponds to the use of airport infrastructure and services by passengers in transit, even if they do not leave the airport’s transit area. Since airlines have refused to include this cost in their ticket prices — arguing that doing so would make fares more expensive and undermine competitiveness — the concessionaire will have to implement alternative payment methods.

Options under consideration include online payment platforms prior to travel, on-site payment points within the connection areas, and mobile points of sale (POS) operated by authorized staff.

The relevant regulatory body, Ositrán, has defended the measure, stating that the adjustment strictly complies with the concession contract and was supported by a technical analysis validated by external experts. Its executive chair, Verónica Zambrano, has assured that there will be no impact on domestic passengers, as the fee will apply only to international connections, and has ruled out any arbitrary practices or double charging.

Even so, the decision has sparked discontent and a strong reaction within the air transport sector. The Association of International Air Transport Companies (AETAI) — which brings together several airlines — has voiced its opposition to the measure and announced plans to challenge it formally. The association argues that this additional charge could discourage many travelers from making stopovers in Lima, reduce demand for connections through Peru, and jeopardize the viability of multiple international routes.

Tourism-related organizations — including travel agencies and associations linked to inbound tourism — have also warned of the negative impact on the country’s competitiveness as a regional hub. They believe that this extra fee could make trips more expensive, reduce Lima’s appeal as a connection point compared to other South American airports, and hinder efforts to revive and boost international tourism.

The issue becomes especially relevant looking ahead to the upcoming peak travel periods — Christmas and New Year — when passenger flows usually increase. At the same time, the timing coincides with the modernization and expansion plans for the airport, a factor that, according to LAP, justifies the need to recoup investments through the TUUA.

As a result, the implementation of this fee opens up a broader debate on how to balance the airport’s operating costs with Peru’s international air competitiveness. For many industry stakeholders, the measure could deal a blow to the strategy of positioning Jorge Chávez as a key logistics node in South America. Over the coming weeks it will be crucial to observe how airlines, passengers and regulators react, and whether LAP’s planned payment mechanisms are maintained without causing disruption or significantly increasing the overall cost of travel.

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