Lima Airport: Understanding Its Vast Size And Importance

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, about 11-12 kilometres (6.8-7.5 miles) from Lima's city centre. The airport is named after the Peruvian aviation pioneer Jorge Chávez Dartnell and is one of the most modern airports in Latin America. It is among the busiest and largest airports in South America, serving 22.8 million passengers in 2023. The airport has undergone continuous expansions, including a new terminal in 2025, and currently operates on an area of 2.51 million square metres, with two runways, 60 aircraft parking positions, one passenger terminal, 44 departure lounges, 19 loading bridges, and 142 passenger check-in counters.

The airport is named after Peruvian aviation icon Jorge Chávez Dartnell

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, about 7 to 12 kilometres (6.8 to 7.5 miles) from Lima's city centre. The airport is named after Peruvian aviation pioneer Jorge Chávez Dartnell. Chávez Dartnell was a young aviator who made his mark on the country's aviation history. Recognising his contributions, the airport was renamed in his honour in 1965.

Jorge Chávez International Airport is one of the most modern airports in Latin America. It has undergone continuous expansions, improvements, and modernisations, making it one of the best-organised and easiest-to-navigate airports in the region. The dedication of its management and staff has been recognised through awards such as the "Best Airport in South America" by Skytrax World Airports Awards and the "South American Leading Airport" by the World Travel Awards.

The airport operates on an area of 2.51 million square metres and has seen significant growth and development over the years. In April 2023, a second runway and a new control tower were inaugurated, enhancing its capacity for air movement. The airport has also embarked on a huge expansion project, tripling its current size. This includes the construction of a second terminal, expected to be completed by 2025, with a total area of 260,000 square metres, featuring approximately 120 new check-in counters and more than 60 boarding gates.

Jorge Chávez International Airport is among the busiest and largest airports in South America. It is well-connected to North America in terms of international flights and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the region. In 2022, it was ranked 47th among the 50 most important air hubs worldwide by the international air statistics consultancy OAG. The airport serves as a hub for many aviation companies and played a crucial role in connecting Peru with the world.

It is one of the busiest and largest airports in South America

Jorge Chávez International Airport, the main airport serving Lima, Peru, is one of the busiest and largest airports in South America. It is located in Callao, about 11-12 kilometres (6.8-7.5 miles) from Lima's city centre. The airport is named after the Peruvian aviation pioneer Jorge Chávez Dartnell.

In 2023, the airport served 22,876,785 passengers. It is the South American airport that is best connected to North America in terms of international flights, even surpassing others that have a greater volume of passengers. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the region, registering a 13% growth. The airport has been recognised as the "Best Airport in South America" by Skytrax World Airports Awards and the "South American Leading Airport" by the World Travel Awards.

The airport operates on an area of 2.51 million square metres and has two runways, an apron of 402,600 square metres, 60 aircraft parking positions, one passenger terminal with an area of 90,150 square metres, 44 departure lounges, 19 loading bridges, and 142 passenger check-in counters. The terminal has 28 gates, with 19 having boarding bridges. The airport is open 24/7, and most shops and services are available around the clock.

A huge expansion project is underway, tripling the current size of the airport. The second runway and a new control tower were inaugurated in April 2023, and a second terminal with a total area of 260,000 square metres, about 120 new check-in counters, and more than 60 boarding gates are under construction, with an expected completion date of 2025. The expansion project also includes the development of Lima Airport City, the first airport city in South America.

It is located 11-12km from Lima's city centre

Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA: LIM, ICAO: SPJC, SPIM) is the primary international airport serving Lima, Peru's capital. It is situated in Callao, 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) northwest of Lima's city centre and 17 kilometres (11 miles) from the Miraflores district. The airport is named after Jorge Chávez Dartnell, a Peruvian aviation pioneer.

The airport is one of the busiest and largest in South America, serving 22,876,785 passengers in 2023. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the region, registering a 13% growth rate. In 2018, it served over 22.1 million passengers. The airport is well-connected to North America, surpassing other South American airports with higher passenger volumes.

Lima's airport is easily accessible from the city centre, located just 11-12 kilometres away. There are various transportation options available for travellers, including taxis, buses, and car rentals. The Airport Express Lima bus is a popular choice, offering hourly departures, comfortable seats, charging ports, onboard TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Tickets are reasonably priced at around $4 USD one-way. This bus service connects the airport to Miraflores, stopping at strategic points within walking distance of numerous accommodations.

For those seeking a more direct route, official airport taxis are available, although they are significantly more expensive than regular taxis in Lima or Peru. Uber is another option, but it is not well-regulated in Lima, and drivers may lack background safety checks. Therefore, it is advisable to use the official taxi company or the Airport Express Bus.

The airport is currently undergoing a huge expansion project

Lima Airport, officially known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is currently undergoing a huge expansion project. The airport is located in Callao, about 11-12km (6.8-7.5 miles) from Lima's city centre. It is named after the Peruvian aviation pioneer, Jorge Chávez Dartnell.

The airport has been in operation since 1960, when it replaced the old Limatambo International Airport in the San Isidro district. In 2023, the airport served 22,876,785 passengers and is among the busiest and largest airports in South America. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the region, registering a 13% growth rate.

The expansion project aims to triple the current size of the airport. A second runway and a new control tower were inaugurated in April 2023, and a new terminal is set to open in March 2025. The new terminal will have a total area of 260,000 square metres, with about 120 new check-in counters and more than 60 boarding gates. The expansion also includes the development of Lima Airport City, the first airport city in South America.

The project is connected to improvements in Lima's infrastructure, with plans to connect the airport and the new airport city through a mass transportation system (metro and buses) and an improved road network. The expansion is expected to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

In addition to the expansion, the airport offers a range of facilities and services for travellers. These include dining options, such as fast food franchises, Peruvian cuisine, and international restaurants. There are also shops, including duty-free areas, handicraft shops, travel-related goods, and electronic items. The airport provides luggage storage, money exchange services, and parking options for short-term and prolonged stays.

There are several dining options, including Peruvian and international cuisine

Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is located in the town of Callao, just north of Lima, Peru. The airport is fairly basic compared to other international airports, and its small size means that passengers don't have to navigate endless hallways to get in and out. However, it does offer a variety of dining options, including Peruvian and international cuisine, to cater to the thousands of passengers who pass through each year.

Before the security checkpoint, travellers can find a food court with recognised fast-food franchises such as McDonald's, Papa John's, and Starbucks. There are also several popular Peruvian options, including Juicy Lucy and Sangucheria La Lucha, a well-known local sandwich shop that offers renowned Peruvian flavours. For those looking for a quick bite before their flight, these options provide a convenient and familiar dining experience.

Within the terminal, passengers can explore a range of sit-down restaurants serving Peruvian and international dishes. La Nacional, Paprika, and Tanta are among the popular choices, offering a more relaxed dining atmosphere. The new terminal, set to open in January 2025, will further enhance the culinary experience with two expansive food halls, an iconic bar celebrating Peru's mineral richness, and renowned restaurants.

The airport's culinary offerings extend beyond casual dining. Partnerships with renowned chefs, such as Mitsuharu Tsumura and Jaime Pesaque, bring the best of Peruvian gastronomy to passengers. The airport's commitment to promoting local flavours while embracing international concepts is exemplified by concepts like Sakai, designed specifically for the airport, and Callao, a successful European concept making its way to Lima Airport. These collaborations elevate the dining experience, providing a true culinary journey for both domestic and international travellers.

In addition to the diverse dining options, Lima Airport also features a range of shops and services. Passengers can browse duty-free stores, high-end chocolate boutiques, souvenir shops, and bookstores. The airport also provides essential amenities such as a medical centre, postal services, and luggage wrapping facilities. With its mix of dining, shopping, and practical offerings, Lima Airport aims to provide a memorable experience for its passengers.

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