Latin America faces air connectivity gap despite passenger recovery

During the WAGA 2026 conference in Lima, ACI-LAC Director General Rafael Echevarne reported a persistent connectivity gap in Latin America and the Caribbean. While passenger traffic has recovered following the pandemic, the region's air network has contracted. The number of airport pairs serving the region fell from 3,959 in 2019 to 3,306 in 2026, a decline of approximately 16.5%.

The contraction is most significant in international connections between the region and external markets, which dropped by 27.7%. Conversely, intra-regional international connectivity saw a slight increase, rising from 588 airport pairs in 2019 to 603 in 2026.

In Lima, airport operations are shifting focus toward cargo growth. Following the opening of a new passenger terminal, Lima Airport has released capacity to expand freighter operations. The airport reported a 16% growth in cargo volumes last year, handling 267,000 tonnes in 2025. Exports, particularly high-value perishable goods, currently account for 54% of the airport's total cargo volume.