Peru’s air traffic controllers' 3-day strike began this morning at 7 am, after the traffic controllers union and local authorities failed to reach an agreement.

Aviation authorities reported there had been no delays at Jorge Chavez International Airport, so far.

The government declared all air operations to be under a state of emergency for the next 60 days, in order to ensure normal air travel.

On Wednesday night the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation guaranteed the 3-day strike would not affect air travel.

According to Alberto Pimentel, head of the air traffic controllers union, the government has brought in air traffic controllers from Ecuador to compensate for the controllers on strike.

"They brought our Ecuadorian colleagues in to manage the Peruvian airspace - which remains a critical and restricted national security area," he told local TV station Canal N.

Carlos Canales, head of Peru’s Chamber of Tourism, warned that the strike could generate up to $3 million in losses for airlines.

"These are the busiest air dates of the month. There is $7.5 million at stake, considering the average airfare price,” he said to El Comercio.

The union had a list of 17 demands, among which was the return of overtime pay, nighttime pay, and establishing insurance in case of loss of licenses.