New Airport Fee in Lima Causes Confusion for International Travelers
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The implementation of a new Unified Airport Use Rate (TUUA) at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport has hit a snag, with many passengers unaware of the $11.86 fee for international connections. Despite prior announcements, travelers reported a lack of clear communication regarding the charge during the initial rollout.
The TUUA, amounting to US$11.86, was introduced to fund airport operations and improvements. While the airport concessionaire, Lima Airport Partners (LAP), initially reported a “normal operational flow” during the first hours of implementation, a significant issue quickly surfaced: widespread passenger confusion.
Communication Breakdown Hinders Smooth Implementation
“Despite the communication issued in a timely manner by the airport and reinforced by the airlines in recent days, several passengers indicated that they had not received prior information and were unaware of the obligation to pay,” a company release stated. This lack of awareness created friction at the payment points, leading to delays and frustration for travelers.
The fee is being collected through three methods: point-of-sale (POS) systems, dedicated counters, and an online platform. Data from the first operational period revealed that 89% of transactions were completed via card, with the remaining 11% paid in cash. To accommodate cash payments, an authorized currency exchange operator was stationed in the passageway.
Payment Delays and Mitigation Efforts
Payment processing times varied depending on passenger volume. Between 3:00 AM and 10:30 AM, the average transaction time was under five minutes. However, a peak period between 6:30 AM and 7:20 AM saw wait times reach up to fifteen minutes. LAP responded by implementing differentiated lines based on payment method, successfully reducing congestion.
LAP has committed to ongoing monitoring of passenger flows, service times, and information dissemination to optimize the experience. A senior official indicated that the airport is actively seeking ways to streamline the process.
Calls for Fee Integration into Ticket Prices
Looking ahead, LAP suggested that integrating the TUUA into the price of airline tickets – a common practice at other international airports – could significantly reduce friction. “Part of the friction could be reduced if the airlines integrated this charge into the ticket,” the release noted. This approach would ensure passengers are informed of the fee at the time of booking, preventing unexpected charges at the airport.
The airport will continue to assess the situation and explore all available options to ensure a seamless and transparent experience for international travelers utilizing the Jorge Chávez airport.
