Lima’s New Airport: A Design Marvel with Growing Pains – Wayne Centrone

Lima’s new Jorge Chávez International Airport terminal, which officially opened its doors on June 1, 2025, stands as a testament to ambitious design and forward-thinking architecture. The terminal is truly a design marvel that will undoubtedly establish itself as an international travel hub for Latin America. I flew into the new airport last night, and I have a few thoughts I would like to share.

The new facility, operated by Lima Airport Partners (a subsidiary of the German corporation Fraport), is approximately three times the size of the old terminal that served Peru’s capital for 60 years. The previous terminal, which closed its doors at 1:00 AM on June 1 after handling nearly 400 million passengers since its inauguration in 1965, has given way to a structure that embodies modern architectural innovation.

What makes this new terminal particularly inspiring for us at HBI is its demonstration of the powerful intersection of aesthetics and utility. The expansive spaces, abundant natural light, and innovative structural elements create an environment that is both visually stunning and designed to handle the complex logistics of international air travel.

As design professionals, we can draw numerous parallels between this architectural achievement and our work at HBI:

1. Bold vision executed with precision – The airport expansion represents years of planning coming to fruition
2. Balance of form and function – Beauty never compromises practicality
3. Attention to user experience – Every element is designed with the traveler in mind
4. Integration of technology – Modern systems are seamlessly incorporated into the design
5. Sustainability considerations – Forward-thinking environmental approaches

However, as with any major infrastructure project, the reality of operations often falls short of the design’s perfection. A warning to travelers: while the design is stunning, the operations are currently a struggle. There’s a bit of “chaos therapy” ruling the opening days, and things are admittedly messy. Travelers should expect:

• Long wait times for luggage
• Confusion about where to go
• General “opening pains” that come with any new significant venture

This contrast between perfect design and imperfect implementation offers another valuable lesson for our work at HBI. Even the most beautiful designs require time, adjustment, and refinement when implemented in the real world. If you’re traveling through Lima’s new airport soon, here are some helpful tips:

• You can get familiar with the new layout: Take a few minutes to look over the new schematic of the terminals. It will help. I have included a JPEG in this post.
• Arrive early: Officials recommend arriving 45 minutes earlier than usual
• Be patient: Remember that staff are also adjusting to new systems
• Access routes: Entry and exit are currently via Avenida Morales Duárez only, until the permanent Santa Rosa Bridge is completed (i.e., plan for a longer commute to the terminal)
• Stay informed: Check the official airport website for the latest updates

As we continue our work at HBI, Lima’s new airport serves as a powerful reminder of how ambitious design can transform experiences, create new possibilities, and inspire awe, even when the practical implementation faces challenges. The airport’s journey from concept to reality mirrors many of our projects: a bold vision, meticulous planning, inevitable challenges, and ultimately, a transformative result that pushes boundaries and creates new standards of excellence.

In our work, we strive to create designs that, like this airport, will stand as landmarks of innovation and functionality for decades to come—even if there are a few bumps during the initial launch.