Peru Designates International Airports in Piura, Tumbes, and San Martín

Diego Alarcón

By Diego Alarcón

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) officially designated the “Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico” Airport in Piura, the “Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez” Airport in Tumbes, and the “Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes” Airport in Tarapoto as international airports. The measure was confirmed by the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics after verifying that these facilities meet the technical, infrastructure, operational, and safety requirements established by current aeronautical regulations.

During the 10th Regional State Council (CER) 2026, President José María Balcázar, along with the head of the MTC, Aldo Prieto Barrera, presented the respective directorate resolutions to the corresponding regional authorities. The documents were received by the regional governor of Tumbes, Avelina del Rosario Palacios de Lama; the regional governor of Piura, Luis Ernesto Neyra León; and the regional vice-governor of San Martín, Rosa Olguita Céliz Cruz.

Regarding the Tarapoto airport “Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes” in San Martín, this facility is positioned as the most important air gateway to the northeast of the country, as well as becoming a key pillar for boosting tourism, trade, and logistics, allowing for better connectivity with international markets. The airport has a 2,600-meter runway, taxiways, aprons for commercial flights, and a Category 7 fire and rescue system.

As for the Piura airport, “Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico,” its new international status strengthens the connectivity of one of the most important economic and agricultural export zones in northern Peru. It has a renovated 2,500-meter runway, suitable for the landing of commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, and an investment of approximately US$35 million is planned to expand its passenger terminal.

Regarding the Tumbes airport, “Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez,” its internationalization promotes integration with Ecuador, strengthens the binational corridor, and benefits regional tourism. Its infrastructure includes a 2,500-meter runway, and the technical procedures are currently being finalized to begin the rehabilitation of the pavement and perimeter fence, a project that will require an investment of US$180 million aimed at improving its safety standards.

Minister Aldo Prieto Barrera stated that adding these airports to the international system will allow for the opening of new air routes and attract more operators, which will translate into concrete benefits for passengers, such as a greater variety of flights, more competitive fares, and job creation in the regions involved.

Finally, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) reiterated its commitment to continue promoting investments to modernize and expand airport infrastructure nationwide. He specified that the implementation of international operations will be carried out progressively, in coordination with the relevant institutions, in order to ensure the efficient functioning of immigration, customs and health controls.