Peru to push direct flights to Incheon and Lima as more Korean visitors visit Machu Picchu

In order to attract Korean tourists to Machu Picchu and the Amazon, Peru, South America, is pushing to open a direct flight route from Incheon to Lima, the capital, with a distance of about 16,000 kilometers.

The Peruvian government announced on the 13th that it will speed up the follow-up procedure for airlines designated by the two governments to fly regular direct flights in the future, following the agreement for Korea-Peru aviation business.

Peru's Export Tourism Promotion Agency explained, "The opening of an international flight between Lima and Incheon will shorten the travel time, making it easier for more Korean tourists to enjoy Peru's attractions."

From January to October this year, the number of Korean visitors to Peru increased by 64% from a year ago to more than 14,000 people, already exceeding the 2,200 number of Koreans who entered Peru last year.

In Korea, the Incheon-Mexico City route, which is 12,000 kilometers away, was the longest direct route, but direct flights to Incheon and Peru are expected to become the longest route in Korea and one of the world's leading long-distance routes.

Previously, a Korean Air cargo charter flight departing Incheon in 2021 flew 3,405km in 14 hours and 42 minutes and arrived in Miami, USA, the longest distance operation record in Korea.