Ipu Airstrip

The primary reason for the closure was economic obsolescence and lack of demand. As road infrastructure in the region improved, the need for a local airstrip for general aviation diminished. The closure was made definitive and irreversible when the land was officially repurposed for urban expansion and social housing.

The site of the former airstrip is no longer recognizable as an aviation facility. Around 2017-2018, a large portion of the land, including the former runway, was developed into a public housing project named 'Residencial Meu Recanto' as part of the federal 'Minha Casa, Minha Vida' program. The area is now a residential neighborhood.

Ipu Airstrip was a simple, unpaved runway (known locally as a 'campo de aviação' with a 'pista de piçarra' or gravel/dirt runway). It never handled scheduled commercial flights but was historically important for general aviation. It served as a key connection for the municipality, used by private aircraft, air taxis, and for business and political travel to larger cities like the state capital, Fortaleza. It was a vital piece of infrastructure before the local road network became more reliable.

There are no prospects for reopening the original Ipu Airstrip (BR-0242), as the site has been permanently redeveloped. However, local and state government officials have been actively discussing and planning the construction of a *new* regional airport in a different location near Ipu. The goal of this new project is to support the region's tourism potential (notably the Bica de Ipu waterfall) and economic growth. As of early 2024, this remains a plan with no confirmed start date for construction.