Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia Face Travel Disruption as LATAM Airlines Cancels 5 Flights, Leaving Passengers Stranded at Jorge Chávez, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, and Other Airports: Latest Updates

Published on September 1, 2025

LATAM Airlines is currently facing a significant travel disruption, with 5 flight cancellations and 18 delays across Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia. This has left passengers stranded at major airports, including Jorge Chávez International in Lima, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez in Santiago, and other key hubs. The cancellations and delays have caused widespread confusion and frustration, especially for those who were expecting smooth connections. Affected travelers now face long delays and uncertainty about their next steps. LATAM Airlines has cited operational challenges, including weather conditions and staffing shortages, as the primary reasons for the cancellations. As the airline works to manage the situation, passengers are advised to check for updates and rebooking options. While LATAM is offering assistance, the sudden disruptions have significantly impacted travelers across Latin America. The airline is working hard to minimize further delays and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Affected Cities and Airports

The affected cities and airports include Lima with Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Cusco with Subteniente FAP Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Arequipa with Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), Piura with Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport (PIU), Santiago with Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Chiclayo with Capitán FAP José A. Quiñones Gonzales International Airport (CIX), Ayacucho with Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP), Trujillo with Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU), and Puerto Maldonado with Padre José de Aldamiz International Airport (PEM). These airports have seen significant disruptions due to cancellations and delays, affecting both domestic and international travelers.

Reasons Behind the Cancellations

LATAM Peru has attributed the cancellations to several factors, primarily including adverse weather conditions, maintenance issues, and crew shortages. These challenges combined created a perfect storm that led to significant disruptions.

Weather-related Disruptions: Weather has been one of the main contributors to these cancellations, particularly adverse conditions at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, which has faced issues such as heavy rain and low visibility. These conditions, while not unusual for the region, can severely disrupt flight schedules, as airlines prioritize safety above all else. The weather delays were especially impactful for flights to and from Cusco, a city that experiences regular weather-related challenges due to its high-altitude location.

Maintenance Issues: LATAM Peru also reported that some aircraft required unscheduled maintenance, further compounding the operational difficulties. This is not an uncommon occurrence in the aviation industry, but when combined with weather and staffing issues, it led to cascading cancellations.

Staffing Shortages: Another major issue faced by LATAM Peru has been a shortage of flight crews, which forced the airline to cancel certain routes to comply with aviation regulations. The shortage of crew members is believed to have been exacerbated by unforeseen absences, and LATAM Peru has promised to address these concerns in the coming days.

Impact on Passengers

The cancellations have caused major inconvenience for travelers, many of whom have been stranded at airports or unable to find immediate alternative flights. Passengers at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) have reported long lines at check-in counters, with some travelers waiting for hours to speak to customer service representatives. In some cases, passengers were only notified of the cancellations shortly before their scheduled departure time, leaving them with little time to adjust their plans.

Many affected passengers have voiced their frustrations over the lack of communication from LATAM Peru regarding the cancellations. Some travelers have found it difficult to get clear answers about rebooking options or compensation, leading to added stress. Several travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation, especially given the lack of proactive communication before the cancellations were made public.

Travel Tips for Affected Passengers

For those whose travel plans have been impacted by the cancellations, it is important to stay informed and be flexible. Here are a few tips for navigating the disruption:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Always check the status of your flight before heading to the airport. LATAM Peru provides real-time updates on cancellations and delays through its official website and mobile app.
2. Rebooking Options: If your flight is canceled, LATAM Peru offers free rebooking on alternative flights. You may also be entitled to compensation, so it is important to inquire about these options at the customer service desk.
3. Consider Alternative Transportation: For passengers who are unable to get rebooked in a timely manner, it may be worth considering alternate modes of transportation, such as buses or trains, especially for domestic routes within Peru.

Looking Ahead: LATAM Peru’s Recovery Plans

As LATAM Peru works to resolve the ongoing disruptions, the airline has pledged to improve its communication with passengers and minimize future cancellations. The airline is taking steps to address the staffing issues that contributed to the cancellations and is also ensuring that aircraft maintenance schedules are better managed to avoid future delays.

LATAM Peru’s focus now is on restoring normal operations and re-establishing trust with its passengers, many of whom are disappointed by the recent disruptions. With the high travel season approaching, LATAM Peru is under pressure to avoid further cancellations and to provide a smoother travel experience for its customers.

Conclusion

LATAM Peru’s recent flight cancellations have led to significant disruptions, with thousands of passengers affected by delays and cancellations. While weather and maintenance issues were the primary causes of these disruptions, the airline is actively working to resolve the situation and assist affected passengers. Travelers are advised to stay informed and take advantage of the rebooking options available. With recovery efforts underway, LATAM Peru aims to get back on track and minimize the impact of further cancellations on its passengers.

Source: FlightAware

Image Source: www.latamairlines.com