A recent blog post from Oxebridge criticizes the ISO 9001 certification held by Lima Airport Partners (LAP), issued by TÜV NORD, amid delays and infrastructure challenges in Peru’s Jorge Chávez International Airport expansion. But the attack misses the mark—and misrepresents what ISO 9001 is, how certification works, and what TÜV NORD actually does.
Let’s set the record straight.
What ISO 9001 Actually Certifies
ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard, not a guarantee of flawless construction or perfect project outcomes. It certifies that an organization has:
- Documented processes
- Risk-based thinking
- Continuous improvement mechanisms
- Customer-focused quality controls
It does not certify the physical infrastructure or the political decisions behind a project. LAP’s certification scope includes design, construction, and operation—meaning TÜV NORD assessed whether LAP had systems in place to manage those activities, not whether every bridge or subway line was completed on time.
 Why TÜV NORD’s Role Is Legitimate
TÜV NORD is a globally recognized certification body, accredited by DAkkS (Germany’s national accreditation body). It operates under ISO/IEC 17021-1, which mandates:
- Impartiality
- Competence
- Transparency
- Risk-based audit planning
TÜV NORD’s certification of LAP was reissued in 2024, after many of the project’s challenges were already public. That means the audit likely considered those issues and still found LAP’s management system compliant with ISO 9001.
What Oxebridge Gets Wrong
Oxebridge’s blog conflates project outcomes with management system compliance. It suggests that ISO 9001 should be revoked if a project faces delays or public criticism. But that’s not how ISO works.
If LAP’s systems are documented, monitored, and improved—even amid setbacks—then ISO 9001 remains valid. Certification is not a political tool. It’s a framework for process discipline, not perfection.
The Bigger Picture
Airport projects are complex, multi-stakeholder endeavors. LAP’s expansion involves government coordination, urban planning, and public infrastructure—all beyond the scope of ISO 9001. Blaming TÜV NORD for Peru’s subway delays or bridge construction gaps is like blaming a safety inspector for traffic congestion.
In Defense of Credible Certification
TÜV NORD continues to uphold its reputation by certifying organizations across sectors—from aerospace to healthcare—with integrity and rigor. Attacks that misrepresent ISO standards only confuse the public and undermine the value of structured quality systems.
Let’s focus on facts, not fear.