Benjamin Hill Airport

Military Conversion. The site was not so much 'closed' as it was fundamentally redeveloped and converted from a small, likely civilian, airstrip into a major military installation. The original civilian function ceased upon its formal establishment as a Mexican Air Force base.

The site is an active and fully operational military air base. It is officially known as Base Aérea Militar No. 3 'Gral. de Div. P.A. Alfredo Lezama Alvarez'. It is one of the most important air bases in northwestern Mexico, operated by the Mexican Air Force. Satellite imagery confirms the presence of military aircraft, hardened aircraft shelters (revetments), barracks, and support facilities. It is not accessible to the public or for civilian use.

The identifier 'MX-1998' appears to refer to a small, pre-existing civil or private airstrip at or near this location. In this capacity, its historical significance was likely minimal, serving local general aviation, agricultural purposes, or private transport for the Benjamin Hill municipality. Its true significance began after its conversion. The site was selected for its strategic location in Sonora, a key region for monitoring trafficking routes. It was developed into Base Aérea Militar No. 3 (BAM-3), a primary forward operating base for the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (Mexican Air Force). When active as a military base, it has hosted various aircraft, including jet trainers like the Lockheed T-33 and, more recently, turboprop interceptor and ground-attack aircraft like the Pilatus PC-7. Its primary operational role has been counter-narcotics operations, surveillance, and interception missions.

None. The prospect of this site reopening as a civilian airport is virtually zero. It is not a closed or abandoned facility but rather a critical, active military installation vital to the national security and law enforcement strategy of the Mexican government. There are no known plans to decommission the base or convert it back to civilian use.