President José María Balcázar Zelada and Minister of Transport and Communications Aldo Prieto Barrera announced on March 28 the modernization of the Inca Manco Cápac Airport in Juliaca. This project is part of Addendum No. 5, which covers upgrades to five airports in southern Peru.
The initiative aims to strengthen airport infrastructure with investments totaling more than USD 470 million between 2026 and 2028 for the airports in Juliaca, Arequipa, Tacna, Puerto Maldonado, and Ayacucho.
Juliaca’s airport will undergo a comprehensive intervention with an investment exceeding USD 250 million. According to Prieto Barrera, “this includes rehabilitation of airside pavements with an estimated investment of USD 200.93 million.” The work will involve reconstructing the runway, taxiways, and aircraft apron to ensure operational safety and continuity.
The passenger terminal will also be optimized through a USD 32.65 million investment that aims to expand and modernize existing facilities. Improvements include upgraded security systems and a new Emergency Operations Center. Additionally, a new perimeter fence valued at USD 24.21 million will be installed with lighting and video surveillance systems in compliance with national aviation security standards.
Authorities said these interventions are expected to significantly improve operational capacity, airport security, and service quality at airports that currently serve over 4.2 million passengers annually across southern Peru.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications highlighted that Addendum No. 5 does not change the current contractual financing mechanism but introduces an anti-corruption clause as grounds for contract termination to enhance transparency during implementation.
With these measures, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment “to modernize national airport infrastructure,” strengthen air connectivity in southern Peru, and support economic development in regions such as Puno, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Tacna, and Madre de Dios.
