La Vertiente Airport

The primary reason for closure was urban encroachment and the need for a more modern facility. As the city of Chillán grew, the airport, which was once on the outskirts, became surrounded by residential areas, posing a safety risk and limiting its potential for runway extension or facility upgrades. It was replaced by the larger, better-equipped General Bernardo O'Higgins Airport, built further from the city center to handle larger aircraft and increased traffic.

The site of the former La Vertiente Airport has been completely redeveloped. It is now a residential neighborhood integrated into the urban fabric of Chillán. The land was repurposed for housing and public infrastructure. The original runway and airport facilities no longer exist, having been replaced by streets, homes, and parks. The area's aviation past is commemorated by a major street built on the former airport grounds, which is named 'Avenida Aeropuerto' (Airport Avenue).

La Vertiente was the original and principal airport for Chillán and the Ñuble Region for several decades. It was the city's first major link to Chile's national air network, playing a vital role in regional connectivity and economic development. The airport handled early commercial passenger and cargo flights, most notably from the national airline LAN-Chile (now LATAM), which operated routes using aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3. It also served as the home base for the Club Aéreo de Chillán (Chillán Air Club) and supported general aviation, air taxi services, and government flights.

Zero. There are absolutely no plans or prospects for reopening the airport. The land has been irreversibly converted into a dense urban area, making any return to aviation use impossible. All of Chillán's current and future aviation needs are served by the General Bernardo O'Higgins Airport (ICAO: SCCH).