The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) has given the thumbs up to the announcement that LATAM Airlines will begin the UK’s first direct flight from Heathrow to Peru’s capital Lima from 2 December 2023.

With five flights scheduled per week, the direct flight will further open up the destination to UK travellers, LATA said.

LATAM said the new service, which is subject to government approval, will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

LATA Chair Martin Johnson said: “This new flight route is really exciting and proves the region’s commitment to growing the UK market.

“I am sure this will be a popular route across the LATA membership and am confident a direct flight will encourage even more visitors. I look forward to working with our members in Peru, and tour operators here to showcase this diverse country to the UK traveller.”

News of the new route coincided with an update from the UK Foreign Office, which says a 30-day extension to the State of Emergency in Pataz province in Peru’s La Libertad region starts today (18 August).

The FCDO is advising people to check the El Peruano official newspaper for more details.