Lilshira
Peru suspends Cusco and Pucallpa flights on 15 Nov 2026
Peru will temporarily suspend commercial flights at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete airport from 7:45 am to 3:05 pm and at Pucallpa’s Capitán FAP David Abensur airport from 12:20 pm to 9:05 pm on 15 November 2026. The measure coincides with Pope Leo XIV’s six‑day visit and affects inbound and outbound travellers on that date.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Commercial flights suspended at Cusco and Pucallpa airports on 15 Nov 2026
- Timing
- Suspensions run 7:45 am‑3:05 pm in Cusco and 12:20 pm‑9:05 pm in Pucallpa
- Who is affected
- All passengers scheduled to fly to or from the two airports on that day
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Transport and Communications
- Takes effect
- 15 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the papal visit, commercial operations at both airports ran continuously according to normal airline schedules.
- New rule
- On 15 November 2026, commercial flights are halted during the specified time windows at each airport. The airports may operate around the clock on 14 and 16 November to recover schedules.
Flight suspension details
The Ministry of Transport and Communications issued a resolution confirming that on Sunday, 15 November, commercial operations at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete airport will be suspended from 7.45 am to 3.05 pm. At Pucallpa’s Capitán FAP David Abensur airport the suspension runs from 12.20 pm to 9.05 pm. The restriction applies to all scheduled passenger services.
- Airlines may add extra flights on 14 and 16 November to compensate for the gap
- Passengers should verify amended timings directly with their carrier
Road and transport restrictions
In addition to airport closures, the provincial municipality of Cusco will suspend urban and inter‑urban passenger services from midnight after 14 November. The Circunvalación road will be reserved for attendees of the papal gathering, and access from the Sacred Valley will be controlled. Lima’s historic centre will see street closures and special bus services on 11‑12 November and a large fleet for the Las Palmas Mass on 16 November.
- Taxi and hotel transfers in the historic centre may be rerouted
- Special bus routes will operate to support mass‑gathering logistics
Tourist protection protocol
Ministerial Resolution No. 419‑2026‑MINCETUR, signed on 10 November and published on 11 November, creates a special framework for protecting domestic and international tourists during the papal visit. The protocol coordinates risk identification, warnings, assistance and incident handling across Lima, Callao, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Cusco and Ucayali. It does not introduce new visa requirements or close tourism businesses.
- A dedicated Tourist Protection Network will share real‑time alerts
- Police deployment of around 37 000 officers supports crowd safety
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with flights scheduled for 15 Nov 2026 must check airline updates for alternative timings
- Visitors planning Cusco‑based itineraries should verify road closures and adjust transfer arrangements
- Tourists intending to visit Saqsaywaman on 15 Nov need to know the site will be closed to regular visitors
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced by the flight suspensions
- Passengers must retain their original tickets; no new documentation is required for the temporary closure
What you need to do
- Confirm revised flight times with the airline before 14 November
- Review road‑control notices if using private transport in Cusco on 15 November
- Carry the QR‑coded ticket for the Las Palmas Mass if attending on 16 November
Who this affects
-
Cusco airport passengers
Commercial flights are suspended at Alejandro Velasco Astete airport on 15 November
What to do Check airline schedules and consider alternative travel dates
-
Pucallpa airport passengers
Commercial flights are suspended at Capitán FAP David Abensur airport on 15 November
What to do Verify revised timings with carriers and plan connections accordingly
-
Visitors to Saqsaywaman archaeological park
The park is closed to ordinary tourists on 15 November for the papal gathering
What to do Plan to visit on another day or travel to alternative sites such as Machu Picchu
-
Lima historic‑centre travellers on 11‑12 Nov
Streets around Tacna, Emancipación, Abancay and Nicolás de Piérola avenues are restricted
What to do Use designated routes and check public‑transport updates
-
Attendees of the Las Palmas Mass on 16 Nov
Entry requires a digital ticket with QR code and matching ID
What to do Obtain the official free ticket and present it at the gate
Frequently asked questions
What time are flights suspended at Cusco airport on 15 November?
Flights at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete airport are halted from 7:45 am until 3:05 pm on 15 November 2026 as part of the papal‑visit restrictions.
Will my airline still operate on 14 and 16 November to make up for the suspension?
Airlines are authorised to run additional flights on 14 and 16 November, but seats are not guaranteed; travellers should check directly with the carrier for available options.
Can I still visit Machu Picchu on 15 November?
Machu Picchu remains open on 15 November; only Saqsaywaman National Archaeological Park is closed to regular tourists that day.
Do I need a new visa or any special document because of the papal visit?
No new visa requirements are introduced; the Ministerial Resolution only adds a tourist‑protection framework without changing entry documentation.
How can I verify road restrictions in Cusco before my trip?
Check the latest notices from the provincial municipality and SUTRAN, and confirm any urban‑passenger‑service suspensions for 15 November before travelling.
Where can I get the official free ticket for the Las Palmas Mass?
The free tickets are issued digitally by the government; they cannot be bought from resellers and must be presented with a matching ID at the venue on 16 November.
