Icó Airport

The airport was officially closed by Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) through Ordinance nº 1.393/SIA. The closure was due to critical safety and infrastructure deficiencies. ANAC's inspection found that the airport failed to meet minimum operational safety requirements, citing a deteriorated and irregular runway surface, a complete lack of perimeter fencing which allowed for frequent incursions by people and animals, and the absence of an adequate airport fire service section.

The airport site is completely abandoned and closed to all air traffic. Satellite imagery and local reports confirm that the runway, though still visible, is in a state of significant disrepair with cracks and vegetation growth. The area is not maintained or secured, and the former facilities are derelict. The site is unused for any official purpose and is subject to trespassing.

Icó Airport, whose correct ICAO code was SNIC (the code BR-1453 is a non-standard identifier), served as a vital regional air link for the historic city of Icó in the state of Ceará. For decades, it supported general aviation, air taxi services, medical evacuation flights (UTI Aérea), and transportation for business and political figures. While it did not host major scheduled commercial flights in its later years, its paved runway was crucial for connecting the region to larger urban centers, supporting local commerce, and providing rapid access for emergency services.

The reopening or complete reconstruction of Icó Airport is a recurring topic of discussion by state and local government officials. The Government of Ceará has included Icó in its strategic plans for the renovation of regional airports. There have been site visits by the State Superintendence of Public Works (SOP) to assess the requirements for a potential project, which would include a new runway, new perimeter fencing, and a modern passenger terminal. However, as of early 2024, these plans remain in the proposal and political discussion phase. There is no confirmed budget, approved project, or official timeline for the commencement of any renovation work.