Captain Ramon Xatruch Airport

The airport was closed because it was replaced by a new, modern facility. The primary reasons for the replacement were:
1. **Location:** The old airport was situated directly within the town of La Palma, which limited expansion possibilities and posed safety and noise concerns for the growing community.
2. **Infrastructure:** Captain Ramon Xatruch Airport had a short, likely unpaved or poorly maintained runway, unsuitable for larger aircraft and modern safety standards.
3. **Modernization:** The Panamanian government invested in a new airport nearby with a longer, paved runway, a proper terminal building, and improved navigation aids to enhance safety, reliability, and capacity for the strategic Darién region.

The airport is permanently closed and the site has been completely redeveloped for urban use. An analysis of satellite imagery shows that the former runway has been paved over and integrated into the town's street grid. The land once occupied by the airstrip is now covered with residential housing, a school (Centro de Educación Básica General de La Palma), and other community buildings. There are no visible remnants of its past use as an airport.

For many decades, Captain Ramon Xatruch Airport was the essential air link for La Palma, the capital of the remote Darién Province. In a region with limited road infrastructure (the Pan-American Highway terminates nearby), this airport was a vital lifeline. It handled critical operations including:
- **Commercial Passenger Service:** It was served by domestic airlines like the now-defunct Aeroperlas and Air Panama, using small aircraft (e.g., DHC-6 Twin Otter, Britten-Norman Islander) to connect the provincial capital with Panama City.
- **Government and Military Operations:** The airstrip was crucial for transporting government personnel, supplies, and for supporting the operations of Panama's National Border Service (SENAFRONT) in a sensitive border zone.
- **Medical and Emergency Services:** It served as a key point for medical evacuations (medevac) from the remote communities of the Darién.

None. There are zero prospects for reopening this airport. Its functions have been entirely and permanently transferred to the new La Palma Airport (MPLP), and the original land has been irrevocably converted to residential and community use.