British Airways launches flights to Peru

There has been no direct air-link between the UK and Lima since 1982, when Peru closed its airspace to flights being operated by British Caledonian to show its support for Argentina during the Falklands War.

BA has continued to fly to cities in Argentina and Brazil, both of which attract significant business traffic. The airline says its launch of a Lima service is banking on the popularity of the world-class tourist sites found in Peru.

"Lima is a gateway to some stunning South American tourist destinations," a BA spokesman told Telegraph Travel. "The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are often included in ‘must-see’ lists from our customers. Starting this route allows us to offer a convenient, direct service for visitors from the UK."

BA will use a three-cabin Boeing 777 on the route, with prices starting from £765 in World Traveller, £1,185 in World Traveller Plus and £2,549 in Club World, taxes and charges included. The flight duration is around 12 hours and 30 minutes in each direction and the return service will be a night flight.