Salvador Aeroclub

Urban Redevelopment. The primary reason for the closure was the strategic and high-value location of the land. The state government of Bahia reclaimed the area to build a new, modern convention center for the city of Salvador and a large public park. The airport was situated in the valuable coastal neighborhood of Boca do Rio, and its land was deemed essential for the city's economic and tourism development. The closure was the result of a political and administrative decision, not economic failure of the aeroclub, an accident, or military conversion.

The site has been completely transformed and is unrecognizable as an airport. The land is now occupied by two major public structures:
1. **Centro de Convenções de Salvador (Salvador Convention Center):** A large, modern facility that hosts major events, conferences, and shows.
2. **Parque dos Ventos (Park of the Winds):** A vast public park adjacent to the convention center, featuring sports courts, skate parks, bike paths, and recreational green space along the waterfront.
The original runway, hangars, and all aviation infrastructure have been demolished.

Founded in 1940, the Aeroclube de Salvador was the main hub for general aviation in the state of Bahia for over 70 years. It was critically important for:
- **Pilot Training:** It served as the primary flight school in the region, training generations of private and commercial pilots.
- **General Aviation Hub:** It was the base for private aircraft owners, air taxi services, and recreational flying.
- **Emergency and Utility Services:** The aeroclub's runway was used for medical flights and other essential air services that were not suitable for the larger international airport.
- **Aviation Community:** It was the social and operational center for the local aviation community, hosting events and fostering interest in aviation. The airport operated with a single runway (approximately 1,000 meters) and several hangars.

Zero. There are no plans or prospects for reopening the airport at its original location. The site has been permanently and extensively redeveloped. However, there have been ongoing discussions and efforts by the former members of the aeroclub and aviation enthusiasts to establish a *new* aeroclub at a different location in the metropolitan region of Salvador, away from the urban center. These plans for relocation have faced various bureaucratic and financial hurdles and have not yet resulted in a new, fully operational facility.