Isla Tigre Airstrip

The closure was the result of multiple factors, primarily economic and community development. The key reasons include:
1. **Lack of Service:** The airstrip lost its economic viability as regional airlines consolidated routes or ceased operations. Without a consistent carrier, there was no traffic.
2. **Community Encroachment:** Isla Tigre is a small, densely populated island. As the community of Mamartupu grew, the runway, being the largest open space, was repurposed for housing and public areas. The need for living space outweighed the need for an airstrip that was receiving little to no service.
3. **High Maintenance Costs:** Maintaining a remote runway, especially in a tropical maritime environment, is expensive. Without regular flights to generate revenue, the cost of upkeep to meet safety standards became prohibitive.

The site of the former airstrip is now fully integrated into the Mamartupu village. The paved runway is no longer used for aviation and functions as the main street, a central plaza, and a recreational area for the community. Recent satellite imagery clearly shows houses, a school, and a basketball court built directly on and immediately adjacent to the old runway. The land is completely repurposed for community life and is unusable by any type of aircraft.

Isla Tigre Airstrip was a critical piece of infrastructure for the indigenous Guna community of Mamartupu. When active, it served as a vital lifeline, connecting the isolated island to mainland Panama. Its primary functions included:
- **Medical Transport:** Facilitating emergency medical evacuations to hospitals in Panama City.
- **Supply Chain:** Enabling the transport of essential goods, food, and mail to the island.
- **Passenger Travel:** Providing residents with access to the rest of the country for work, education, and family visits.
- **Tourism:** Supporting the local economy by allowing small numbers of tourists to visit the island and experience Guna culture.
Operations were exclusively handled by small STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and the Britten-Norman Islander, operated by regional air taxi services and airlines like the former Aeroperlas.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Isla Tigre Airstrip. Reopening is considered infeasible due to the extensive and permanent encroachment of the village's buildings and infrastructure onto the former runway. It would require the massive and improbable undertaking of relocating a significant portion of the community. Air transport needs for the region are now served by other operational airports in Guna Yala, such as the nearby Playón Chico Airport (PYC).