Peruvian Airlines has suspended all of its flights effective 4 October 2026, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across the country. The airline announced the suspension after Peru’s customs authority, Sunat, froze its bank accounts over unpaid taxes linked to the import of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
What Happened
The airline had been under financial pressure for weeks before today’s full shutdown. On 30 September, Peruvian was forced to briefly suspend operations for half a day after it could not pay its fuel providers. The episode triggered a loss of confidence among travel agencies, which pulled back bookings and further drained cash flow.
In a statement issued this morning, the airline said the account seizure had created “a lack of liquidity that affected our operations” from which it could not recover. It added that it is in discussions with potential new investors in an attempt to restore services.
At the time of suspension, Peruvian Airlines operated 13 domestic routes with a fleet of ageing narrowbody aircraft, including Boeing 737 Classic and 737-400 variants. The routes covered connections between Lima and regional cities including Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, and Juliaca.
What to Do If You Had a Booking
Peru’s consumer protection authority Indecopi is managing claims from affected passengers. Those left stranded at airports are being assisted in rebooking. The Peruvian Air Force has stepped in to operate emergency flights for elderly passengers and those with medical needs.
If you hold an unused Peruvian Airlines ticket, do not wait for a refund to come through automatically. File a claim with Indecopi and simultaneously contact your credit card provider or travel insurance company. For guidance on rebooking options and alternative carriers operating the Lima to Cusco and other key routes, check with LATAM Peru, Sky Airline, and Star Peru, all of which serve the main domestic corridors.
Alternative Carriers
LATAM Peru is the dominant domestic carrier and operates multiple daily flights on Lima–Cusco, Lima–Arequipa, and Lima–Trujillo. Sky Airline has expanded its Peru network over the past year and offers competitive fares. For reaching Iquitos, Juliaca, or other remoter destinations, smaller regional operators remain active.
Our getting around Peru guide covers the full range of transport options, including overland routes where flying is not strictly necessary. For travellers with upcoming itineraries built around Peruvian Airlines connections, rebooking on LATAM or Sky through Lima hub is the most reliable short-term fix.
All inbound flights to Peru via international carriers remain unaffected. The suspension is limited to Peruvian Airlines’ domestic network.