Ciudad Madera Airport

The airport was closed to all civil aviation and converted into a military base for the Mexican Army (SEDENA - Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional). This action was a direct result of the Mexican government's strategy to combat powerful drug cartels operating in the Sierra Tarahumara region of Chihuahua. By taking control of the airstrip, the military aimed to prevent its use for illicit logistics (transporting drugs, weapons, and personnel) and establish a strategic forward operating base for security operations in the remote, mountainous area.

The site is an active military installation. The former airport grounds and runway are now part of a permanent Mexican Army base. Satellite imagery confirms the presence of barracks, military vehicles, security perimeters, and other military infrastructure. The runway, though still visible, is not maintained for civilian use and is under the exclusive control of the armed forces. It is used for military air operations and as a logistics hub for troops stationed in the area.

Prior to its closure, Ciudad Madera Airport was a vital transportation link for the isolated city of Madera and the surrounding region. It primarily served general aviation, including:
- **Air Taxi and Charter Services:** Providing essential passenger and cargo flights to and from larger cities like Chihuahua City.
- **Economic Support:** Supporting the local logging and mining industries, which are cornerstones of the regional economy, by enabling the rapid transport of personnel, urgent parts, and supplies.
- **Private Aviation:** Used by local ranchers, business owners, and private pilots.
- **Emergency Services:** Functioning as a critical point for medical evacuations and air ambulance services in a region with challenging ground transportation.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airport to civilian traffic. Given its current role as a strategic military base in a region with ongoing security challenges, it is highly improbable that it will be returned to civilian control in the foreseeable future. The government's long-term security posture in the Sierra Tarahumara prioritizes the military's presence at this location.