Peru Plans to Expand Connectivity with Qatar Airways

Diego Alarcón

By Diego Alarcón

The Peruvian government is making progress in its efforts to add Qatar Airways to its commercial offerings. This initiative aims to consolidate the country’s global flight network, while simultaneously boosting strategic commercial activities such as inbound tourism, freight transport, and the agricultural export sector.

For this reason, technical delegations from the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (part of the Ministry of Transport and Communications) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a working session with Abdullah Jassim Mohammed Al Zeyara, Qatar’s ambassador. The main purpose of the meeting was to outline the necessary steps to implement a direct air connection between the capital cities of Lima and Doha.

During the session, national authorities detailed the strengths of the Peruvian aviation sector, emphasizing the open skies strategy, which has resulted in 14 international agreements signed so far this year. Regarding the relationship with the Gulf nation, the validity of a bilateral air transport services agreement, which lacks operational restrictions, was emphasized, paving the way for the arrival of new airlines.

In addition, the modernization and increased capacity of Jorge Chávez International Airport was highlighted as a key factor. Its two parallel runways have allowed for an increase in flight frequency from 37 to 55 operations per hour. These characteristics solidify Lima’s terminal as a highly competitive regional hub, ideal for long-haul flights to Asia and the Middle East.

In line with the above, authorities emphasized the benefits of the Air Connectivity Boost Kit. This program, designed by the DGAC (General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics) in conjunction with airport operators and various industry entities, provides specialized consulting and economic incentives designed to encourage airlines to operate there, diversify global destinations, and strengthen Jorge Chávez’s position in key markets. Additionally, the geostrategic value of Lima as the main gateway to the South American region was emphasized, ideally complementing Doha’s role in the Middle East—a synergy that promises to strengthen trade flows and bilateral ties.

Furthermore, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the State has implemented various regulatory reforms in the customs, logistics, and immigration sectors, which are part of a comprehensive strategy to simplify the implementation of these transcontinental routes.

Finally, following the openness shown by the Qatari diplomat, technical working groups between specialists from both countries are expected to be held soon. These upcoming meetings will define operational variables—such as flight schedules, specific routes, frequency, and customs procedures—with the goal of holding the inaugural flight as soon as possible.