Travelers across Peru faced major setbacks today as LATAM Airlines announced 11 domestic flight cancellations, significantly affecting air traffic at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport and other key terminals including Cusco, Tacna, Arequipa, and Puerto Maldonado.
The cancellations, which impacted both outbound and return flights, have left thousands of passengers stranded or forced to rebook, sparking widespread frustration among both business and leisure travelers. The sudden disruptions highlight ongoing challenges in Peru’s aviation sector, especially as domestic tourism continues to recover.
Airports Affected
The most heavily impacted location is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru’s primary aviation hub and the busiest airport in the country. The disruption spread across several major airports including:
- Cusco – Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ): A gateway to Machu Picchu and one of Peru’s busiest tourist destinations.
- Arequipa – Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP): Serving southern Peru, important for both tourism and business travel.
- Tacna – Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ): A vital regional link in southern Peru.
- Puerto Maldonado – Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM): A growing hub for eco-tourism in the Amazon basin.
These cancellations disrupted connections across Peru, leading to delays and long queues at ticket counters as passengers sought alternatives.
Impacted Routes
The most critical routes affected include:
- Lima to Cusco (LIM–CUZ): Multiple flights canceled, severely affecting tourists en route to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
- Lima to Tacna (LIM–TCQ): Disruptions for travelers heading to southern Peru.
- Lima to Arequipa (LIM–AQP): Business and leisure travelers both hit by cancellations.
- Cusco to Lima (CUZ–LIM): Return flights canceled, leaving many stranded in Cusco with limited travel options.
Sample of Cancelled Flights
| Flight No. | From | To | Scheduled Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPE2316 | Lima (LIM) | Cusco (CUZ) | 10:50 AM -05 |
| LPE2244 | Tacna (TCQ) | Lima (LIM) | 11:35 AM -05 |
| LPE2072 | Cusco (CUZ) | Lima (LIM) | 01:25 PM -05 |
| LPE2113 | Lima (LIM) | Arequipa (AQP) | 03:05 PM -05 |
| LPE2223 | Lima (LIM) | Cusco (CUZ) | 07:05 PM -05 |
| LPE2362 | Lima (LIM) | Cusco (CUZ) | 07:25 PM -05 |
| LPE2040 | Cusco (CUZ) | Lima (LIM) | 10:15 PM -05 |
These routes are among the busiest in Peru, connecting tourists, business travelers, and local passengers.
Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?
LATAM Peru has not officially released a detailed explanation for the latest cancellations. However, industry experts point to several possible contributing factors:
- Operational Challenges: Airlines in Peru have been facing aircraft rotation issues and crew shortages in recent months.
- Weather Conditions: Seasonal weather changes, particularly in the Andes and Amazon regions, can cause sudden flight disruptions.
- Air Traffic Congestion: Jorge Chávez International Airport continues to experience congestion, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades adding to delays.
These factors combined may have led to the sudden wave of cancellations, though passengers are still awaiting official clarification.
Passenger Reactions and Tourism Impact
For many travelers, particularly international visitors arriving in Lima and planning onward journeys to Cusco and Machu Picchu, the cancellations have created significant stress. Hotels, guided tours, and train connections to Aguas Calientes are often booked in advance, meaning missed flights can lead to cascading losses.
Domestic tourism is also heavily impacted, as Arequipa, Tacna, and Puerto Maldonado are key destinations for both cultural and ecological travel. Business travelers, who rely on tight schedules, have also faced major inconveniences.
What Passengers Should Do
Travelers affected by the cancellations are advised to:
- Check Flight Status Frequently: Use the LATAM Airlines mobile app or website for real-time updates.
- Request Rebooking: Contact LATAM customer service for available alternatives. Some passengers may be eligible for same-day rebookings depending on capacity.
- Understand Passenger Rights: Under Peruvian aviation regulations, passengers may be entitled to refunds, vouchers, or compensation.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Travelers with active insurance policies should review coverage for cancellations and delays.
- Prepare for Delays: Expect longer wait times at airports and plan accordingly for food, accommodations, and onward travel connections.
Broader Implications for Peru’s Air Travel
This latest wave of cancellations raises questions about the reliability of domestic air travel in Peru. As the country remains a top destination for international tourism, particularly to Cusco and Machu Picchu, disruptions like this can affect Peru’s global image as a tourism-friendly destination.
Government agencies and airline operators may need to coordinate more closely to ensure smoother operations, especially during peak travel seasons. With visitor arrivals steadily growing post-pandemic, stability in the aviation sector is essential to sustain tourism recovery.
Conclusion
The 11 new flight cancellations by LATAM Peru have highlighted the fragility of domestic air travel in the country, particularly for routes connecting Lima with Cusco, Arequipa, Tacna, and Puerto Maldonado. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, explore alternative options, and know their rights regarding rebooking and compensation.
While LATAM Peru works to manage the situation, this incident underscores the importance of contingency planning for both tourists and business travelers navigating Peru’s vast and diverse regions.
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