Presidente Médici International Airport

The airport was closed because it was replaced by the new, larger, and more modern Rio Branco-Plácido de Castro International Airport (IATA: RBR, ICAO: SBRB). The old Presidente Médici airport was located too close to the growing city center, which limited its expansion capabilities, restricted the size of aircraft it could efficiently handle, and created noise pollution issues. The new facility was constructed further from the urban core to accommodate larger jets (like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320), feature a longer runway, and support future growth in air traffic for the state of Acre.

The site has been completely redeveloped and is no longer recognizable as an airport. The land has been transformed into a major urban center that includes the 'Cidade da Justiça' (City of Justice), which houses the state's judicial court, public prosecutor's office, and other legal institutions. The area also features the Federacre (Acre's Federation of Industries) headquarters, a large convention center, commercial buildings, and residential zones. The former runway and terminal buildings have been entirely demolished to make way for this new city infrastructure.

Until its closure, Presidente Médici International Airport was the primary air gateway to the state of Acre and its capital, Rio Branco. It was crucial for connecting this remote Amazonian state to the rest of Brazil, handling domestic flights from major national carriers of the era, such as Varig, VASP, and Cruzeiro do Sul. The airport played a vital role in the region's economic, political, and social development for several decades. It's important to note that before its closure, this airport used the IATA code RBR and ICAO code SBRB, which were subsequently transferred to the new airport upon its inauguration.

None. There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the airport. The land has been permanently and completely repurposed for dense urban development, making any return to aviation activities impossible. All air services for Rio Branco and the surrounding region are now exclusively handled by the modern Rio Branco-Plácido de Castro International Airport.