Balleza Airport

The closure was almost certainly due to economic factors and a lack of demand. Small, rural airstrips (aeropistas) in Mexico are often built for specific purposes like mining, agriculture, or private ranching. As road infrastructure in the region improved and the specific economic activities requiring air support may have ceased, the airstrip became economically non-viable to maintain and operate. There is no evidence to suggest it was closed due to a major accident or for military conversion.

Based on current satellite imagery, the site is an abandoned and unmaintained dirt runway. The outline of the runway is still clearly visible but is overgrown with vegetation and crossed by vehicle tracks, indicating it may be used as an informal local road or for access to adjacent farmland. There are no buildings, hangars, or any remaining aviation infrastructure on the site. The land has not been repurposed and is slowly reverting to its natural state.

Balleza Airport served as a local general aviation airstrip. Its primary role was to connect the remote municipality of Balleza with larger urban centers in the state of Chihuahua. Operations would have consisted of:
- **Private Aviation:** Flights for local business owners, ranchers, and wealthy individuals.
- **Air Taxi Services:** Small charter flights for passengers and cargo.
- **Support for Industry:** Potential use for aerial surveying, personnel transport for nearby mining operations, or agricultural purposes common in the Sierra Tarahumara region.
- **Emergency Services:** It could have been used for medical evacuations or government access to a remote area.
Its significance was purely local, providing a vital transportation link in a geographically challenging area before modern road networks became fully reliable.

There are no known plans, proposals, or public discussions about reopening Balleza Airport. The economic conditions that led to its closure have not changed, and the cost to refurbish the runway to meet any modern safety standards would be substantial. Given the small population of Balleza and the availability of ground transportation, the prospects for reopening are considered nonexistent.