Pinar Del Rio Airport

The airport was rendered obsolete and closed following its replacement by La Coloma Airport (MUPC). The original Pinar Del Rio Airport had significant limitations, including a short runway (approximately 1,300 meters) and its close proximity to the city of Pinar del Río, which restricted potential for expansion and posed safety and noise concerns. La Coloma Airport, originally a military airbase, was upgraded to handle civilian traffic, offering a longer runway and superior facilities capable of accommodating larger aircraft and meeting modern aviation standards.

The airport is permanently closed and the site has been completely repurposed. An analysis of satellite imagery and local reports confirms that the former runway and tarmac are now used for automotive purposes. The runway has been converted into a driving school circuit and a popular venue for amateur drag racing and other motorsports events. The surrounding land and some of the former airport buildings have been adapted for other non-aviation uses, and the site is integrated into the urban periphery of the city.

For decades, this airport was the primary aviation gateway to Cuba's westernmost province, Pinar del Río. It was a vital hub for domestic transportation, handling scheduled flights operated by Cubana de Aviación, primarily connecting Pinar del Río with Havana's José Martí International Airport. The flights were typically operated by smaller turboprop aircraft like the Antonov An-24. The airport played a crucial role in supporting the region's economy, government administration, and the burgeoning tourism industry, providing access for visitors to natural attractions such as the Viñales Valley.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening this airport. The region's aviation needs are fully met by La Coloma Airport (MUPC). The original airport's infrastructure is degraded and the land has been repurposed for community and recreational use. Given the existence of a superior replacement facility and the current use of the site, reopening it for aviation is considered economically unviable and logistically improbable.