Santiago Airport

Military Conversion. The airport, originally a civilian airstrip, did not 'close' due to economic failure or an accident. Instead, it was formally acquired and converted by the Mexican government and the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) to establish a new military air base. Its strategic location in central Mexico, offering high altitude and uncongested airspace, made it an ideal site for military operations and training.

The site is an active and fully operational military installation. It is known as **Base Aérea Militar No. 9 'General de División Piloto Aviador Alfredo Lezama Álvarez'**. While the F-5 fighter squadron has since relocated to Santa Lucía (BAM-1), BAM-9 remains a critical asset for the Mexican Air Force. It is now primarily used as a major flight training center. The base is home to the **Escuela Militar de Aplicación Aeroespacial (EMAAT)** and operates a fleet of Grob G 120TP aircraft, which are used for the primary and basic flight training phases for new FAM pilots. The site is strictly controlled by the military and is not accessible to the public.

Prior to its military conversion, the site operated as a small, regional aerodrome known as Santiago Airstrip, likely serving general aviation, private flights, and agricultural purposes for the Libres region. It did not handle commercial airline traffic.

Its primary historical significance began after its conversion into **Base Aérea Militar No. 9 (BAM-9) Atlangatepec** in 1986. It became one of the most important bases for the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM). Its most notable role was being the home base for the **Escuadrón Aéreo de Defensa 401 (401st Air Defense Squadron)**, which operated Mexico's fleet of Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II supersonic fighter jets. For decades, this base was the heart of Mexico's air defense capabilities. The base has also hosted various other aircraft, including Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft.

None. There are no plans, discussions, or prospects for reopening the airport to civilian or commercial use. As an active and strategic military air base integral to the training pipeline of the Mexican Air Force, its military function is its sole and continuing purpose. The civilian aviation needs of the region are served by the Hermanos Serdán International Airport (IATA: PBC) in Puebla.