Las Conchas Airstrip

Strategic replacement and economic development. The Las Conchas Airstrip was too small to support the region's tourism growth. Its key limitations included:
1. **Short Runway:** The runway was approximately 1,500 meters (under 5,000 feet), which was insufficient for larger commercial aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 that are standard for international tourist routes.
2. **Limited Infrastructure:** The terminal and support facilities were minimal and not designed for significant passenger volume.
3. **Location:** It was located directly adjacent to the growing Las Conchas residential and resort area, creating noise pollution and significant safety concerns. The surrounding development also made it impossible to expand the runway or facilities.
It was closed as part of a major regional development plan that included building the new, much larger Mar de Cortés International Airport to attract major airlines and boost international tourism.

The site is abandoned and completely non-operational for any form of aviation. Satellite imagery confirms the runway and taxiways are still physically present but are in a severe state of disrepair. The pavement is cracked, faded, and being reclaimed by desert vegetation. The land is effectively derelict and is surrounded by residential development. There are no active facilities, and the site is closed to the public.

For decades, the Las Conchas Airstrip was the primary air gateway to Puerto Peñasco. It was crucial for the city's initial development as a tourist destination, especially for visitors from the Southwestern United States. Its operations were predominantly focused on:
- **General Aviation:** It was a popular destination for American private pilots flying their own small aircraft for fishing trips, vacations, or to access their properties in the area.
- **Charter Flights & Regional Airlines:** It handled small charter operations and flights from short-lived regional carriers, connecting Puerto Peñasco primarily with cities in Arizona and Baja California. It served as a vital, albeit small-scale, link that established Puerto Peñasco on the aviation map before its capacity was outgrown.

There are zero known plans or prospects for reopening the Las Conchas Airstrip. Reopening is considered highly improbable for several reasons:
- **Redundancy:** The modern Mar de Cortés International Airport serves all of the region's aviation needs with far superior capabilities.
- **Economic Viability:** There is no economic case for operating a second, smaller airport in such close proximity to the new one.
- **Real Estate Value:** The land is located in a prime real estate area within the Las Conchas community, making it far more valuable for residential or commercial redevelopment than for aviation. Any future plans would almost certainly involve demolishing the old runway to develop the land.