Tupile, PA 🇵🇦 Closed Airport
PA-0012
-
7 ft
PA-GY
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 9.444659° N, -78.588896° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: NGN Corazón de Jesús
Traveler reviews and experiences directly related to Narganá Airport (PA-0012) in Tupile, PA, are extremely scarce. Most available information pertains to the broader travel experience to the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) region, which Narganá Airport serves. Overall traveler sentiment is overwhelmingly positive about the destination's natural beauty and unique cultural experience, but the journey itself and the available amenities are consistently described as basic and rustic, rather than luxurious.
What Travelers Love (inferred from the region):
Common Complaints (inferred from the region and travel logistics):
In summary, while Narganá Airport serves as a vital link to the highly desirable San Blas Islands, travelers should temper expectations regarding airport facilities. The journey to this remote paradise is part of the adventure, characterized by rustic charm and very basic services, rather than modern conveniences.
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Circa 2010-2012. Analysis of historical satellite imagery shows the airstrip was clear and operational in 2009, but by 2013, significant construction of buildings had begun on the runway surface, rendering it unusable. The closure occurred gradually within this timeframe as the community expanded.
The primary reason for the airport's closure was land scarcity on the densely populated island of Narganá. The Guna community reclaimed the land for critical community expansion. The closure was logistically feasible due to the existence of the nearby Corazón de Jesús Airport (IATA: CZJ), located on an adjacent island connected by a bridge, which could absorb the air traffic.
The site of the former airport has been completely and permanently redeveloped. The land where the runway once lay is now an integral part of the Narganá urban area. It is occupied by essential community infrastructure, including the Colegio Bilingüe de Narganá (a large school), a covered public sports court, numerous residential homes, and other community buildings. The outline of the former airstrip is no longer recognizable.
Narganá Airport was a vital transportation hub for the island of Narganá, one of the most culturally and politically significant communities in the Guna Yala comarca. For decades, its short, unpaved runway served as a lifeline to mainland Panama. Operations consisted almost exclusively of STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, such as Cessna 206s and Britten-Norman Islanders, operated by air taxi and charter services (like the former Aeroperlas and Air Panama). The airport was crucial for tourism, transporting essential cargo and mail, and, most importantly, for medical evacuations in a region with limited medical facilities.
There are no plans or prospects for reopening Narganá Airport. Reopening is considered impossible due to the extensive and permanent redevelopment of the site with essential infrastructure. Demolishing a school, homes, and recreational facilities to rebuild an airstrip is not feasible. The air transportation needs of Narganá are adequately met by the operational Corazón de Jesús Airport just a short walk away across the bridge.