Yanamilla Airport

Yanamilla Airport, officially known as Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport, is the main air gateway serving the scenic city of Ayacucho in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to a region rich in colonial history and distinctive culture. Located at an altitude of over 2,700 meters above sea level, it offers travelers breathtaking views of mountain landscapes even before landing, promising an unforgettable start to your adventure in Peru.

Despite its modest size, Ayacucho Airport boasts several key features. Its main advantage is its proximity to the city, allowing tourists to reach hotels and major attractions quickly and cost-effectively. The airport serves exclusively domestic flights, most of which connect Ayacucho with the country's capital, Lima. An interesting feature is that all commercial outlets within the terminal are owned by local brands and entrepreneurs from Ayacucho, allowing you to support the local economy and discover local products immediately upon arrival. For passenger convenience, authorized taxi services are always available at the terminal exit, ensuring a safe journey to any point in the city.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Yanamilla Airport (AYP), also known as Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport. Please note that the airport is managed by Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP), so many contacts are general for the entire operator network.

• Official Website: www.aap.com.pe/sedes/ayacucho (airport page on the operator's website)
• Information Desk Phone: +51 1 710-3333 (AAP unified call center)
• Address: Av. del Ejército N° 950, Huamanga, Ayacucho, Peru
• Email: atencionalcliente@aap.com.pe (general customer support)
• Social Media: You can follow news on the official Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú pages on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to searching for, delayed, or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, you can use the operator's phone number and email address listed above.

Getting to Yanamilla Airport (AYP), serving the city of Ayacucho, is quite simple as it is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The trip usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Travelers have several transport options varying in cost and comfort level.

The most budget-friendly way is to use public transport. Minibuses (colectivos) run through the city, with routes that may pass near the airport. This is an authentic and very cheap option — the fare is only 1-2 Soles. However, it can be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage, and the vehicles are often crowded. Another popular and inexpensive alternative is mototaxis. These agile three-wheeled taxis are easy to find anywhere in the city and will quickly take you to the terminal entrance. The ride will cost approximately 5-10 Soles and offer unforgettable impressions of local life along the way.

The most convenient and popular option is a taxi. You can hail a car on the street or ask your hotel to book one. For greater safety, it is recommended to use official taxi services. A trip from the city center to the airport will cost on average 15-25 Soles and ensures maximum comfort, especially if you are traveling with suitcases. It is important to agree on the price with the driver before the trip begins, as meters are rarely used. You can also pre-book a private transfer that will meet you at a specified location at the appointed time.

If you plan to explore the city surroundings and scenic landscapes of Peru on your own, you can rent a car. In this case, you can drive to the airport at your own pace and return the car at the respective rental point. For those arriving at the airport in a personal or rented vehicle, parking is available on the premises where you can leave the car during your absence.

Yanamilla Airport (AYP) in Ayacucho is a small and compact aviation hub that perfectly matches the size of the city. Orienting yourself here is very simple, as the airport has only one passenger terminal. It serves all domestic flights, handling passengers traveling primarily from Lima and other regions of Peru.

The terminal structure is extremely simple and intuitive. Departure and Arrival zones are located in the same building, eliminating the need for long walks. Upon entry, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After passing security control, passengers enter a small waiting area with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is equally compact: after disembarking, you will proceed to the baggage claim belt and immediately find yourself at the exit to the city. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals.

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all pre-flight formalities generally does not take much time. Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to drop off luggage and pass control without rushing, especially if your flight falls during morning hours or days of major local festivals when passenger traffic in Ayacucho may increase.

The terminal offers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait. There is a small waiting lounge, a few kiosks with souvenirs and snacks, as well as restrooms. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. The signage is mostly in Spanish, but thanks to the building's compactness, getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Yanamilla Airport, officially known as Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport, began on August 24, 1948. Since its opening, it has become the main air gateway to the city of Ayacucho and the entire region of the same name. Named after a hero of Peruvian military aviation, the airport was created to connect this remote mountainous area with the rest of Peru, playing a key role in its economic and social development.

In the first decades of its existence, the airport was a modest airstrip serving mainly small aircraft. It performed vital logistical functions, facilitating trade and administrative connections. Throughout its history, the airport has held strategic importance for maintaining regional accessibility, especially during periods when land transport was difficult.

A turning point in the modern history of the airport was its concession to a private operator, which led to a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2013. During this modernization, the infrastructure was significantly improved: the runway was paved and extended to accommodate larger aircraft, a new, spacious, and comfortable passenger terminal was built, and modern air navigation equipment was installed. These changes allowed the airport to receive aircraft such as the Airbus A319 and significantly increase passenger traffic.

Today, Yanamilla Airport is one of the most vital transport hubs for tourism development in the region. Thanks to it, thousands of travelers from around the world can comfortably reach Ayacucho to see its famous colonial churches and participate in the colorful Holy Week celebrations. Interesting fact: the airport is located at an altitude of over 2,700 meters above sea level. This makes it a high-altitude airfield, placing special demands on pilot qualifications and aircraft performance, turning every takeoff and landing into a unique spectacle.

Yanamilla Airport (AYP) is a compact regional hub, so the range of services is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find a few small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee and a snack with sandwiches or local pastries. There are also souvenir shops offering handmade crafts for which the Ayacucho region is famous — a great opportunity to buy last-minute gifts.

For those who need to stay connected, Wi-Fi may be available at the airport, although its performance can be unstable. The number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so it is highly recommended to bring a portable power bank. Regarding financial services, there are ATMs in the terminal, but no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points. It is best to handle all financial transactions in the city beforehand.

The airport lacks specialized VIP lounges or business lounges. There are no separate nursing rooms for passengers with small children, but standard restrooms are available. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance to ensure the most comfortable movement through the terminal. If necessary, you can contact the first aid station.

There are no hotels on the Yanamilla Airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located directly in the city of Ayacucho, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized business centers or conference rooms are also absent at the airport, which is typical for small aviation hubs focused on domestic passenger transport.

Yanamilla Airport (AYP), serving Ayacucho, is a compact regional airport, so the selection of establishments corresponds to its size. Do not expect food courts with global chains; however, grabbing a snack or a coffee before departure is entirely possible. All the few dining spots are concentrated in the single terminal.

The main cafe is usually located in the public area before security control (landside). Here, travelers can find a standard set for a quick bite: sandwiches (often with cheese, meat, or chicken), fresh pastries, packaged snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks. This is the best place to pass the time while waiting for check-in. After passing security (airside) in the small departure area, the choice is generally even more limited and may be reduced to a vending machine with drinks and snacks or a small kiosk.

Although full restaurant meals of local cuisine are not represented here, sometimes the cafe menu features something with Peruvian flair. Look out for empanadas (pastries with various fillings) or humitas (a corn snack steamed in husks). This is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavor of Peru in a quick snack format. Of course, you can always buy the national drink here — Inca Kola.

Passengers with special dietary requirements should note that the selection for them will be extremely small. Vegetarians will be able to find simple cheese sandwiches or meat-free pastries. Specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are likely to be unavailable here, so it is recommended to bring suitable snacks with you. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level for an air terminal. Cafe operating hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves.

To ensure your journey through Yanamilla Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, money, and stress, making the start of your adventure in Ayacucho pleasant and organized.

Arrival time at the airport. Yanamilla Airport is a small regional airport, so there are no long queues like in capital hubs. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before your domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop-off, and passing security control.

Check-in and Security Control. Most airlines flying to Ayacucho offer online check-in. This is a great way to save time. If you are traveling only with hand luggage, you can proceed directly to screening. The security control procedure is standard, but thanks to low passenger traffic, it passes quite quickly. Keep your boarding pass and ID ready.

Seat Selection. Flights to the mountainous regions of Peru are famous for breathtaking views. If possible, choose a window seat. The Andes landscapes opening up during takeoff and landing in Ayacucho will become an unforgettable part of your trip.

Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag; no sharp objects. Pay special attention to local souvenirs — check regulations regarding whether you can carry coca leaves (if you purchased them) in hand luggage, as rules may differ depending on the airline.

Connecting Passengers. Since Yanamilla Airport serves mainly domestic flights, international transfers are made through major airports, for example, in Lima. If you are flying to Ayacucho with a connection, allow enough time between flights at the hub to complete all formalities and collect luggage if necessary.

Customs Control. There is no international customs control at Ayacucho Airport. If you arrived in Peru from another country, you will pass customs and immigration procedures at your first airport of arrival (e.g., in Lima).

Saving Time and Money.

• Check in for your flight online.
• Book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices on site.
• Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be higher. If time permits, have a snack before heading to the airport.

Flight Delays. Weather conditions in the Andes can be unpredictable and sometimes cause flight delays or cancellations. In case of a delay, contact your airline representative for information. Keep a portable charger, a book, or other entertainment in your hand luggage to pass the waiting time.