• Lima has been selected to host the 2026 World Airport Global Assembly (WAGA), highlighting its role as a strategic hub in Latin America and the Caribbean, where strong passenger growth, low-cost carrier expansion, and intra-regional connectivity underscore the region’s dynamic aviation market.
• The New Jorge Chávez International Airport features modern cargo and passenger infrastructure, including automated handling systems, cold-chain facilities, expanded aprons, and multimodal connectivity, supporting high-value, time-sensitive goods and positioning Peru as a competitive regional logistics hub.
• WAGA 2026 will bring together global airport leaders, industry experts, and technology providers to explore solutions in capacity, safety, sustainability, and airport economics, offering a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge innovations.

WAGA is described as the most important global gathering of airport leaders. It brings together senior executives from across the aviation ecosystem to advance solutions in capacity, safety, sustainability and airport economics. 

The Latin America and the Caribbean region is forecasted to reach 789 million passengers in 2025 (+4.1% YoY), propelled by strong leisure demand, low-cost carrier expansion and growing intra-regional connectivity – momentum that underscores Lima’s role as a strategic hub for ideas and investment.

ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “Joining forces with ACI-LAC and Lima Airport to convene the global airport community reflects ACI’s commitment to pairing global ambition with regional strength. Latin America and the Caribbean is one of aviation’s most dynamic frontiers – advancing smart infrastructure, biometrics-enabled journeys, and ambitious sustainability initiatives – positioning Lima as a compelling stage for what’s next.”

ACI Latin America and the Caribbean Director General Rafael Echevarne said: “Lima is a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic aviation regions. Hosting WAGA here in 2026 is a recognition of Peru’s growing role in global connectivity and a celebration of Latin America and the Caribbean’s leadership in airport innovation, sustainability, and passenger experience. We look forward to welcoming the world to Lima.”

Lima Airport Chief Executive Officer Juan José Salmón said: “We are honoured that Lima has been chosen to host the world’s foremost airport gathering. This recognition reflects the joint commitment of the country, the concessionaire, and all stakeholders across Peru’s aviation ecosystem to make Jorge Chávez an international benchmark for excellence. Lima stands ready to welcome the world—not only as a hub of connectivity, but as a symbol of efficiency, innovation, and collaboration shaping the future of aviation in Latin America.”

International audience

The selection of Lima as the next host was announced at 2025’s Assembly in Toronto. Key highlights of the 2025 event included an international audience of more than 2,500 professionals, underscoring its stature as a premier forum for industry leaders and policymakers. Across multiple days, attendees engaged in a robust slate of panels and sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Discussions ranged from cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure modernization to workforce development and the shifting dynamics of the passenger experience, providing a comprehensive view of both current trends and emerging priorities. 

Keynote presentations were anchored by two distinguished figures whose careers bridge leadership, innovation, and global affairs. Col. Chris Hadfield, renowned for his service as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station, brought a unique perspective shaped by decades of aerospace and operational leadership. His blend of technical expertise, operational discipline, and public advocacy for exploration and innovation elevated the programme’s strategic dimension and resonated with audiences focused on long term vision.

David Frum, a prominent analyst and author with extensive experience in public policy and communications, delivered insights grounded in his work as a staff writer for The Atlantic and his prior role as a presidential speechwriter. His keynote reflected deep engagement with global politics, policy and strategic narrative – essential context for decision makers navigating complex regulatory, economic and geopolitical environments.

Complementing the thought leadership programme, the exhibition floor featured 180 exhibitors showcasing cutting edge airport and aviation innovations. This scale of participation provided attendees with direct access to new technologies, service models, and partnership opportunities, reinforcing the event’s role as both a knowledge hub and a marketplace for transformation. Overall, the convergence of high calibre speakers, substantive sessions, and extensive industry presence made the gathering a vital platform for advancing the future of the sector.

Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, is a federated organisation comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2025, ACI had 830 members, operating 2,181 airports in 170 countries.

About Lima Airport 

Lima Airport Partners (LAP) is the private operator of the New Jorge Chávez International Airport. Its shareholder structure is as follows: Fraport AG, which operates Frankfurt Airport and around 30 major airports worldwide, holds an 80.01% stake; and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group and the leading global development institution focused on the private sector, holds 19.99%. 

The New Jorge Chávez International Airport is a modern facility, three times larger than the previous one, covering a total area of 935 hectares – equivalent to the size of the Miraflores district. LAP has invested $2 billion, in addition to third-party investments totalling $400 million.

Throughout the concession, LAP has delivered $3.635 billion to the Peruvian State through concession payments and taxes over the past 24 years. It is the second-largest infrastructure project in the country, designed to handle up to 40 million passengers per year and to position Peru as a strategic air hub in the region.

Cargo facilities 

Cargo operations at the new Jorge Chávez International Airport are designed to support Peru’s growing role as a regional logistics hub. The expanded cargo area features modern warehouses, automated handling systems, and improved airside access that reduce turnaround times for freight carriers. With dedicated taxiways and enlarged aprons, wide-body aircraft can be loaded and unloaded more efficiently, minimising congestion during peak hours. 

The airport’s cargo facilities prioritise the movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, textiles and mining equipment. Cold-chain infrastructure has been upgraded to maintain strict temperature control, supporting Peru’s robust export market for agricultural products such as blueberries, asparagus and flowers. Enhanced security protocols, including advanced scanning and tracking systems, ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Multimodal connectivity is another key feature: improved links to the Callao seaport and major highway routes enable smooth transfers between air, sea and land transport. Together, these advancements position the new Jorge Chávez International Airport as a competitive, reliable, and efficient cargo gateway for both regional and global trade.