- Flight Disruptions
- Technical failure at Jorge Chávez International Airport disrupts 21 LATAM and Iberia flights
Technical failure at Jorge Chávez International Airport disrupts 21 LATAM and Iberia flights
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
May qualify for compensation
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on June 18, 2026
21
Affected flights
1
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Travel through Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima remained under pressure on 16 June 2026 after a sudden technical failure disrupted 21 LATAM Airlines and Iberia flights. Cancellations, long delays, and diversions spread across regional services to Santiago, Bogota, and Quito, while Iberia's Lima–Madrid flight also suffered rolling delays, leaving hundreds of travelers dealing with missed connections and overnight waits. Because the problem appears to have started on the airport side, compensation under EC 261 may depend on the exact circumstances, especially for Iberia passengers, while many LATAM routes fall outside the law unless they involve the EU. Even so, affected passengers may still be entitled to rebooking, refunds, meals, and accommodation.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast & risk-free
highest success rate
Disruption details
Passengers flying through Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima faced major disruption on 16 June 2026 after a sudden technical failure affected 21 confirmed LATAM Airlines and Iberia flights.
For passengers, this meant canceled departures, heavy delays, diversions, and missed connections across both airlines' South American and long-haul networks.
At the airport, travelers described long lines at airline service desks and difficulty getting firm new departure times. Overnight accommodation was being arranged in Lima and at other airports, and hundreds of passengers were left waiting as aircraft and crews ended up out of position.
Early indications pointed to a combination of ground-handling malfunctions, aircraft rotation problems, and congestion linked to LIM's recently opened terminal complex, rather than a single isolated fault.
That context matters, because airports going through major infrastructure changes can be more vulnerable to irregular operations while staff, processes, and passenger flows settle. Recent advisories around the expanded terminal have already highlighted longer walks, new security routes, and unfamiliar access points.
The disruption was still ongoing late on 16 June, and airlines were warning that knock-on delays and occasional cancellations could continue into 17 June while fleets and crew rosters were put back in order.
Passengers were being urged to take a few practical steps while schedules stabilized:
Keep booking contact details up to date
Check flight status frequently
Allow extra connection time
Ask about rebooking, rerouting, partial refunds, or vouchers if plans have changed
What this means for compensation is less straightforward. Because the problem appears to have come from the airport side rather than from an internal airline issue, compensation under EC 261 may depend on the exact circumstances of Iberia's EU-bound Lima–Madrid route.
For LATAM passengers, most affected flights were outside the usual scope of EC 261 unless the itinerary involved the EU. Even when compensation isn't certain, you may still be entitled to rebooking or a refund, plus meals, refreshments, and accommodation if you're delayed for hours or overnight.
If your flight was canceled, diverted, or arrived much later than planned, it's worth checking your rights. AirHelp's free flight checker can help you understand whether compensation may apply and what support you should expect from your airline.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
IT problem
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
21
Airlines affected
Latam Airlines Group, Iberia
Airports affected
J Chavez International Airport
Cities affected
Lima, Santiago, Bogota, Quito, Madrid
Countries affected
Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain
Start date
2026-06-16
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
June 18, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
