Rep. Pou Demands United Airlines Save Newark-to-Lima Nonstop — Only Direct Flight Serving 95,000 NJ Peruvians

Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) is pushing United Airlines to reverse its decision to kill the only nonstop flight between Newark and Lima, Peru — a route that has run for more than 30 years and connects one of the largest Peruvian communities in the United States to home.

In a letter to United CEO Scott Kirby, Pou called the cancellation a direct hit to the roughly 95,000 Peruvian-Americans living in New Jersey, many of them in her district. She asked the airline to pause the cut and consider alternatives, including a reduced schedule.

What United Is Doing

United announced earlier this month that nonstop service between Newark Liberty (EWR) and Lima’s Jorge Chávez International (LIM) will end on March 27, 2027. The route first launched in 1996 under Continental Airlines and continued after United’s merger.

In its place, United plans to double Houston-to-Lima service to two daily flights — routing New Jersey travelers through Texas instead of flying them direct.

Why It Matters to New Jersey

Pou’s Ninth District includes Paterson’s “Little Lima,” a neighborhood built around Peruvian bakeries, restaurants, salons, and small businesses. Paterson established sister-city partnerships with Machu Picchu in 2024 and Lurigancho-Chosica in 2025.

“This route is far more than a convenience,” Pou wrote. “It connects New Jersey families with loved ones in Peru and supports business, tourism, and trade between our two countries.”

Without the direct flight, travelers would need connecting flights or trips to other airports — adding hours and cost to what Pou described as already expensive tickets.

The Timing Problem

Pou pointed out that United is cutting the Newark-Lima route while simultaneously announcing new service to Luxembourg, Slovenia, and France. The airline has also reported strong revenues and told investors it expects to recover 100% of higher fuel costs by the fourth quarter.

“New service should not come at the expense of a route that has served New Jersey’s Peruvian community for decades, particularly when the Newark-Lima route has continued to see strong demand and frequently full flights,” Pou wrote.

What She’s Asking For

Pou, the Vice Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, asked Kirby to:

• Pause the plan to eliminate the Newark-Lima route
• Consider alternatives that preserve direct service, even on a reduced schedule
• Meet with her and representatives of the Peruvian community to discuss options

Pou is also the lead sponsor of the PERU Act (H.R. 5335), which would add Peru to the list of countries eligible for E1 and E2 business visas.