Peru is working on new direct flights to Europe. Plans for a connection between Rome and Lima are particularly concrete at present. At the same time, the Peruvian aviation authority is negotiating the return of a direct flight between London and Lima.
Paola Marín, Director of the Peruvian aviation authority DGAC, confirmed this to the newspaper El Comercio.
ITA Airways could connect Rome with Lima
ITA Airways is at the center of the planned Rome–Lima route. The Italian airline is part of the Lufthansa Group.
According to the DGAC, ITA Airways plans a direct flight from Rome to Peru. However, a precise start date and flight schedule have not yet been set.
Peruvian authorities expect new connections to start no earlier than 2027. The necessary agreements are to be concluded as soon as possible in 2026.
Italy is an interesting market for Peru. According to the DGAC, more than 250,000 passengers from Italy arrived in Peru in 2025, even without a direct connection.
London–Lima to return
A direct connection between London and Lima could also return. LATAM had previously offered this route.
The DGAC states that it is in talks with a British airline. Marín named British Airways and Virgin Atlantic as possible candidates. Which of the two airlines is actually involved was not disclosed.
Here too: A new route is currently not officially confirmed or bookable.
Frankfurt also under discussion
Another statement by the DGAC is interesting for travelers from Germany. A connection between Frankfurt and Lima is also being discussed with the Lufthansa Group.
Lufthansa itself is not expected to take over the route according to current information. However, there is interest in such a connection within the group of companies.
Discussions are still at an early stage. There is no start date.
Emirates and Turkish Airlines expand plans
In parallel, Peru is working on further international connections.
According to the DGAC, Emirates wants to fly to Lima via Milan. Daily flights are planned in the long term. The necessary permits in Italy are still missing. A possible start is aimed for the second quarter of 2027.
Planning is much further advanced for Turkish Airlines. The airline's entry into the Peruvian market has already been officially announced.
The Istanbul–Caracas–Lima route is planned with initially three connections per week. The start is scheduled for 2027.
Peru wants more international direct connections
Behind the new flight plans is a changed aviation policy. Peru has expanded its agreements for more liberal air traffic and shortened approval procedures for airlines.
International connections in particular are expected to benefit from this.
For travelers from Europe, additional direct flights to Lima would be a significant improvement. In addition to existing connections via Madrid, Paris, and Amsterdam, Rome and possibly London could be added in the future.
For Germany, a direct connection to Frankfurt would be particularly interesting. However, these are currently only discussions.
Frequent questions about the new Peru flights
Will there be a direct Rome–Lima flight?
According to the Peruvian DGAC, ITA Airways plans a direct connection. The flight is not yet bookable.
When could Rome–Lima start?
A possible start is expected for 2027. A concrete date has not yet been named.
Is London–Lima returning?
Peru is negotiating the resumption of the connection. Talks are underway with a British airline.
Is Frankfurt–Lima planned?
The DGAC is discussing this possibility with the Lufthansa Group. A concrete flight connection has not yet been confirmed.
When will Turkish Airlines start flying to Lima?
Turkish Airlines is expected to start the Istanbul–Caracas–Lima route in 2027.
Sources
El Comercio, August 27, 2026: Interview with Paola Marín, Director of the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).
Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones / El Peruano, June 26, 2026: "MTC concreta llegada de Turkish Airlines a Lima con ruta desde Estambul en 2027".
Hero image: Exterior view of the new terminal at Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima. Source: Fraport AG, press release dated May 30, 2025.
