Peru's New Chinchero International Airport to Transform Machu Picchu Access

The construction of Chinchero International Airport (AICC) in Peru is moving forward. This major project is located in the Sacred Valley near the historic site of Machu Picchu. Once finished, it will replace the current Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.

According to the Peru Ministry of Transport and Communications, the new airport is expected to open in late 2027. The project has an estimated cost of about $683 million. It is designed to handle up to eight million passengers every year. This is a big jump from the current airport's capacity.

Aviation and Operational Impact

The new airport will be much larger than the old one. It features a 4,000-meter runway that is 45 meters wide. This long runway is necessary because the airport sits at a very high altitude of over 3,700 meters (12,200 feet).

At high altitudes, the air is thinner. This makes it harder for planes to take off. The long runway allows larger aircraft to gain enough speed. This means airlines will be able to fly direct international routes from North America and Europe. Currently, most travelers must first land in Lima before catching a smaller flight to Cusco.

Economic Growth and Tourism

Officials believe the airport will be a huge win for the economy. It has already created over 5,000 jobs during construction. Once open, it could support up to one million jobs in tourism and travel.

• Direct Access: Travelers can bypass Lima, saving hours of travel time.
• Increased Capacity: The region could see a 200% increase in visitors.
• Modern Facilities: The terminal will include 13 gates and eco-friendly designs.

Environmental and Cultural Challenges

While many welcome the growth, others are worried. UNESCO has monitored the project closely. There are concerns that too many visitors could hurt the fragile ruins of Machu Picchu.

Environmental groups also warn about water usage. The airport is near Lake Piuray, which provides water to the city of Cusco. Experts from the IATA and other aviation bodies emphasize that managing this growth sustainably will be the biggest challenge for Peru in the coming decade.

Despite these concerns, the Peruvian government is committed to the project. They see it as a vital step to modernize the country's aviation network and bring more people to one of the world's most famous wonders.

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