Since December 7, international connecting passengers at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport must pay a new fee of 11.86 dollars. The measure particularly affects Argentine travelers, who use this terminal as their main stopover point. The fee aims to cover airport services but sparks controversy over its impact on regional connectivity.
Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru introduced a Unified Airport Usage Fee (TUUA) for international transit passengers starting December 7. This fee, totaling 11.86 dollars including 10.05 dollars plus taxes, is not included in ticket prices and must be paid directly at the terminal. Concessionaire Lima Airport Partners (LAP) states the measure covers services like boarding areas, security, and operational assistance during connections, approved by regulator Ositrán under the concession contract.
For domestic connections, the fee is 6.32 dollars, but its collection is temporarily suspended pending negotiations. Passengers can pay via online platforms, QR codes, mobile POS, or on-site modules. Confusion has arisen: if flight segments are part of the same booking, the TUUA applies; otherwise, with separate tickets, a higher Peru exit fee is charged.
This makes Lima an exception in Latin America, where most airports do not charge for international stopovers. For instance, São Paulo applies a lower amount. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized the policy, warning it could cut air traffic growth from 9% to 3% annually through 2041, harming the regional hub's competitiveness.
The effect is significant for Argentines: about 70% of flights from Argentina to third countries stop in Lima, adding up to 25.34 dollars for round trips. The fee is now in effect and reignites discussions on airport costs and regional connectivity.
