Public outcry is growing over the construction of an international airport that would ferry tourists even closer to Perus already fragile Machu Picchu historical site, including a petition launched by dozens of archaeologists, historians and conservationists.

Construction on the upcoming Chinchero Cuzco International Airport broke ground in January, roughly 36 miles southeast of the Inca ruins, after several years of back-and-forth plans as well as protests by locals .

Its completion would trim the distance tourists would have to travel on the ground, with the closest airport to the tourist attraction currently being the single runway Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cuzco, roughly 46 miles away.