Ilha Solteira

The airport was closed following an interdiction by Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The closure was due to regulatory and economic reasons, specifically the failure to comply with mandatory operational safety requirements. The municipal administration, responsible for the airport, was unable to fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades, which included establishing an adequate airport fire brigade (Seção Contra Incêndio - SCI), improving runway markings, and addressing other safety-related deficiencies.

The airport site is currently abandoned and non-operational. The runway, taxiways, and terminal building are in a state of disrepair due to lack of maintenance since its closure. The site is fenced off and is not being used for any official aviation or significant non-aviation purposes. Satellite imagery confirms the abandoned state of the infrastructure.

The Ilha Solteira Airport was inaugurated in the 1970s. Its primary historical significance is tied to the construction and operation of the massive Ilha Solteira Hydroelectric Power Plant, one of the largest in Brazil. The airport was a critical logistical hub for transporting engineers, technicians, executives, and specialized equipment for CESP (Companhia Energética de São Paulo), the state energy company that built and operated the dam. After the dam's completion, the airport transitioned to serve the city of Ilha Solteira, handling general aviation, air taxis, and executive flights. It was an important asset for the local campus of São Paulo State University (UNESP) and regional agribusinesses, providing a vital connection for the geographically isolated city. The airport's official ICAO designator was SBIL, which was later changed to SJIS.

The reopening of the airport is a subject of ongoing discussion by the local municipal government, but prospects remain uncertain. Local authorities have expressed a desire to refurbish and recertify the airport to support regional development, tourism, and business. However, significant financial investment is required to meet ANAC's stringent safety and infrastructure standards. As of now, there is no concrete plan, secured funding, or official timeline for the airport's renovation and reopening.