Gastronomy Success at the New Jorge Chávez International Airport Terminal

by Chief Editor

The new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport has reported a positive performance during its first 11 months of operation following its official opening on June 1, 2025. Gastronomic outlets have seen significant success, with most vendors exceeding their initial business plans by between 10% and 30%.

Economic Impact and Retail Performance

The success of the terminal’s food and beverage sector follows a combined investment of US$ 100 million over the last year. This funding has established a gastronomic offering that spans more than 8,000 square meters.

Economic Impact and Retail Performance
Economic Impact and Retail Performance

According to LAP executive Beke, one exceptional operator even managed to sell three times more than its business plan projected. However, Beke noted that unlike a traditional mall, airport retail must prioritize aeronautical operations, meaning such operators may be unable to expand their physical space despite growing demand.

Did You Know? The airport’s most popular sandwich is the pan con chicharrón, with approximately 1,000 units sold daily, alongside roughly 7,000 coffees and 400 plates of cebiche.

Logistical Challenges of High-Volume Dining

Operating dozens of restaurants within a terminal requires a complex logistical framework to ensure speed and 24/7 availability. To maintain this, 100 trucks enter the facility daily to supply various operators.

All cargo must undergo security scanners for both national and international operations. Beke highlighted that 85% of product entries are concentrated during the morning shift, and the highest-volume operators may require up to 10 supply units in a single day to ensure ingredient freshness.

Expert Insight: The tension between retail success and operational constraints is a critical factor in airport management. When a vendor triples their projected sales but cannot expand their footprint due to aviation priorities, the business is forced to pivot from physical growth to operational innovation, such as “ready-to-go” options.

A Hub for Renowned Gastronomy

The new terminal has expanded its culinary prestige by increasing the number of featured chefs from two in the old airport to five in the new facility. These include Gastón Acurio (Lima Mundial and Tanta), Coque Ossio (La Bonbonniere & Bar Copper and the protocol salon), Jaime Pesaque (Callao and Kira), José del Castillo (Las Reyes by Isolina), and Ignacio Barrios (The Club VIP salon).

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This commitment to high-end dining contributed to LAP being included in the Global Ranking of Food&Wine magazine, which highlighted the airport’s gastronomic proposal.

Future Expansions for 2026

Several new openings are scheduled between May and September 2026 to meet passenger demand. The Duty Free Express is expected to open on May 22 in the international area, followed by Kira—a Miami-inspired Nikkei cuisine concept—on June 15.

Future Expansions for 2026
Jorge Chávez International Airport Beke

In July, a new Tanta location by Gastón Acurio is planned for the public zone. The domestic departures area could see the inauguration of The Club VIP Lounge in July, while The Club 2 is slated for September in the international area, with approximately 30% of its space potentially dedicated to gastronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area provides the highest non-aeronautical income for LAP?

According to Beke, the duty-free area provides the highest contribution, followed by food and beverage outlets, lounges, and then alpaca and souvenir shops.

How many chefs are featured in the new terminal compared to the old one?

The new terminal features five renowned chefs, whereas the previous airport had only two.

What are the security requirements for food supplies entering the airport?

All supplies brought in by the 100 daily trucks must be unloaded and pass through security scanners for both national and international operations.

How do you think the prioritization of aviation operations over retail expansion affects the overall passenger experience?

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