Río Gallegos Air Base

Not applicable, as the airport was never closed. The confusion stems from its dual civil-military nature. The site hosts both a public airport and a major military air base, which are sometimes listed separately in unofficial records, leading to incorrect status information like 'closed' for the military-specific designator.

The site is fully operational as a dual-use airport.

- **Civil Operations:** It operates as the Piloto Civil Norberto Fernández International Airport (SAWG/RGL), handling scheduled domestic passenger flights, primarily by Aerolíneas Argentinas. It is a key transportation hub for southern Patagonia.

- **Military Operations:** It is the home of the Argentine Air Force's X Air Brigade (X Brigada Aérea). The Base Aérea Militar Río Gallegos is responsible for air defense, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and logistical support for the region, including missions to Antarctica.

The airport holds immense strategic and historical importance for Argentina.

1. **Falklands War (Guerra de Malvinas, 1982):** The Base Aérea Militar (BAM) Río Gallegos was one of the most critical forward operating bases for the Argentine Air Force during the conflict. It was the primary staging point for attack squadrons flying missions against the British Task Force. Aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk (from the V Air Brigade) and the IAI Dagger/Mirage V (from the VI Air Brigade) launched from this base. Its southern location made it indispensable for reaching the islands.

2. **Post-War Strategic Importance:** After the war, it remained a key strategic asset for controlling and patrolling the airspace of the South Atlantic and Patagonia.

3. **Civil Aviation Hub:** As a civilian airport, it has long served as the primary air link for the province of Santa Cruz, connecting the regional capital of Río Gallegos with Buenos Aires and other major Argentine cities. It is a vital gateway for regional commerce, administration, and tourism.

Not applicable, as the airport is fully active and has never been closed. There are no plans for its closure; on the contrary, it remains a vital piece of national infrastructure for both civil and military aviation.