Agua Fría Airport

The primary reason for closure was replacement and redundancy. The Mexican government, as part of an infrastructure improvement plan for the state of Sonora, constructed a new, modern airport, Sahuaripa Airport (MMSA), located approximately 8 km to the northeast. The new facility features a longer, better-paved runway and superior infrastructure, rendering the older, smaller Agua Fría airstrip obsolete and economically unviable to maintain.

The site of the former Agua Fría Airport is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. Satellite imagery shows the asphalt runway is heavily cracked, weathered, and being reclaimed by vegetation. There are no signs of aviation activity. The land is unused for any formal purpose, though it may be informally used by locals for activities like driving practice. The airport infrastructure is non-existent or derelict, and the runway is unsuitable for any type of aircraft landing.

Agua Fría Airport served as the principal air link for the remote municipality of Sahuaripa for several decades. Given the town's isolation due to the surrounding Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, the airport was crucial for:
- **General Aviation:** It handled private aircraft, connecting local ranchers, business owners, and residents to larger cities like Hermosillo.
- **Air Taxi and Charter Services:** Provided essential transportation for people and light cargo.
- **Medical Evacuations:** Acted as a vital point for emergency medical flights, significantly reducing travel time in critical situations.
- **Government and Security Operations:** Was likely used by state and federal agencies for administrative and security purposes in the region.
Its operations were fundamental to the economic and social connectivity of Sahuaripa before modern road improvements and the construction of the new airport.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Agua Fría Airport. Its reopening is considered highly improbable for the following reasons:
1. **Redundancy:** The new Sahuaripa Airport (MMSA) fully serves the region's current and projected aviation needs.
2. **Economic Cost:** The cost to completely excavate, rebuild, and certify the old runway and facilities would be substantial and without justification.
3. **Lack of Need:** There is no demonstrated demand that would warrant the operation of two airports in such a small municipality.