La Gomera, ES 🇪🇸 Closed Airport
ES-0354
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- ft
ES-CN
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 28.022594° N, -17.242289° E
Continent: EU
Type: Closed Airport
El Revolcadero (ES-0354) in La Gomera is not an active airport or port, but rather a former aerodrome that has been closed for over 25 years. Travelers who "visit" El Revolcadero do so as an adventurous trip to an abandoned historical site, often involving a challenging hike through stunning natural landscapes. Therefore, traveler sentiment revolves around the experience of exploring a relic of aviation history rather than evaluating a functional travel hub.
In summary, El Revolcadero offers a compelling experience for those interested in history and adventurous hiking, providing a glimpse into La Gomera's past amidst breathtaking scenery. However, it is crucial for potential visitors to understand that it is an abandoned site with no operational travel services, requiring significant physical effort and self-sufficiency to explore.
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| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
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June 1999
The airport was permanently closed following the inauguration of the new, modern La Gomera Airport (IATA: GMZ, ICAO: GCGM). The El Revolcadero airfield was operationally obsolete and inadequate for the island's needs. Its primary limitations included a very short runway (approximately 800 meters), a difficult and weather-dependent approach over challenging terrain, and a lack of modern instrumentation and passenger facilities. The new airport was built to handle larger, more common aircraft like the ATR 72 safely and reliably, thereby improving connectivity and supporting the growth of tourism.
The site of the former airport is now repurposed for recreational and sporting activities. The abandoned runway's long, flat, paved surface is frequently used for organized motor racing events, including local rallies (such as the 'Subida a AlajerĂł' hill climb), drag races, and driver training. It is also a popular location for flying radio-controlled model aircraft. The former terminal and support buildings are largely derelict, and the site is not maintained for any aviation purposes.
El Revolcadero was the first and only airport on the island of La Gomera from the late 1980s until its closure. Its opening marked a pivotal moment in the island's history, breaking its near-total reliance on maritime transport and establishing the first regular air service. The primary operator was Binter Canarias, which flew routes to Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA). Due to the short runway, operations were restricted to STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capable aircraft, with the CASA CN-235 turboprop being the workhorse of the route. Despite its limitations, the airport was instrumental in the initial development of La Gomera's modern tourism sector.
There are no known plans or realistic prospects for reopening El Revolcadero for aviation. The existence of the nearby, fully-equipped La Gomera Airport (GMZ) makes the old airfield completely redundant for commercial, private, or military air traffic. Its infrastructure is obsolete and does not meet modern safety standards.