Nacozari de García, MX 🇲🇽 Closed Airport
MX-1252
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- ft
MX-SON
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 30.571° N, -109.3772° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
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The exact date is not officially documented in public records, but analysis of historical satellite imagery and the opening of a replacement facility suggests it was closed sometime in the mid-to-late 2000s. The airstrip appears well-maintained in imagery from the early 2000s but shows signs of disuse and deterioration by the early 2010s.
The primary reason for closure was obsolescence and replacement. A new, larger, and more modern airport, Nacozari Airport (ICAO: MMNC, IATA: NCZ), was constructed to better serve the needs of the region and its primary industry, the La Caridad mine. The new airport features a paved runway capable of handling larger and faster aircraft, making the older, unpaved La Ranchería Airstrip redundant.
The site is abandoned and permanently closed. Satellite imagery clearly shows large 'X' markings painted on the runway surface, which is the universal aviation symbol for a closed runway. The dirt runway is still visible but is unmaintained, overgrown with vegetation, and eroding. There are no buildings or infrastructure remaining at the site, and it is not being used for any other purpose.
La Ranchería Airstrip was a private, utilitarian airfield. Its entire existence and significance were tied to the massive La Caridad copper mine, operated by Grupo México. When active, the airstrip served as a critical logistical link for the mine, which is located in a relatively remote area. Operations primarily included:
- **Personnel Transport:** Flying in and out executives, engineers, and specialized technicians essential for the mine's operation.
- **Light Cargo:** Transporting urgent, high-value, or small machine parts that were needed quickly.
- **Medical Evacuation:** Providing a means for rapid emergency medical transport for mine workers.
The airstrip was unpaved (dirt/gravel) and suitable only for small, rugged general aviation aircraft, such as Cessna or Piper models, capable of short/unprepared field takeoffs and landings.
There are no known plans or prospects for reopening La Ranchería Airstrip. Its reopening is considered highly improbable, as its functions have been completely superseded by the nearby Nacozari Airport (MMNC), which provides superior facilities and safety. The old airstrip is defunct and has no economic or logistical justification for being brought back into service.