Ica, PE 🇵🇪 Closed Airport
PE-0043
-
1500 ft
PE-ICA
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: -14.2001° N, -75.573898° E
Continent: SA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: SPIA SPIA
Based on available information, direct recent traveler reviews and experiences for Ica Airport (PE-0043) are scarce. However, the Aeropuerto Capitán FAP Renán ElĂas Olivera (Pisco Airport), located in the Ica region, is a significant airport mentioned in connection with civilian and tourist operations. This airport, with its modern infrastructure, serves as a crucial point for tourism in the Ica region, particularly for flights related to the Nazca Lines.
In summary, while Aeropuerto Capitán FAP Renán ElĂas Olivera (Pisco Airport) in the Ica region offers modern infrastructure and a strategic location for regional tourism and as an alternate airport, comprehensive recent traveler reviews for typical commercial flight experiences are not readily found. Its primary current role appears to be supporting military operations and tourist overflights for the Nazca Lines.
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Mid-2000s, approximately 2006-2007. The airport was permanently closed to allow for the construction of the Plaza del Sol shopping mall, which officially opened in November 2008. The closure process and land redevelopment would have begun at least a year or two prior.
Economic reasons and urban expansion. As the city of Ica expanded, the land occupied by the centrally located airfield became extremely valuable. The site was sold to private developers for a large-scale commercial real estate project, which was deemed more profitable than continuing airport operations.
The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and is unrecognizable as an airfield. It is now a major commercial and retail hub for the city of Ica. The land is occupied by the 'Plaza del Sol Ica' shopping mall, a Promart Homecenter, a Plaza Vea supermarket, a cinema complex, and numerous other stores, restaurants, and adjacent residential buildings. The original runway and airport infrastructure have been entirely removed.
The airport, known locally as the 'Aeródromo de San José', was a small but vital airfield for the region's economy. It did not handle large scheduled commercial passenger flights. Its primary functions were:
- **Tourism:** It was the main hub for small aircraft conducting tourist flights over the famous Nazca Lines and the nearby Huacachina oasis. This was its most significant role.
- **General Aviation:** It served private pilots and small charter aircraft.
- **Flight Training:** It was home to local flight schools for pilot training.
- **Agricultural Aviation:** The airfield supported crop-dusting aircraft serving the extensive agricultural industry in the Ica Valley.
There are zero prospects for reopening the original airport at its former location, as the site is now a densely built-up commercial center. However, the aviation functions it once served have been replaced by two other facilities:
1. **AerĂłdromo Las Dunas (ICAO: SPLH):** A new, private airfield was constructed just southwest of Ica, near the Huacachina oasis. This airfield now serves the general aviation and tourist flight market, directly replacing the primary function of the old airport.
2. **Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Renán ElĂas Olivera (IATA: PIO, ICAO: SPSO):** Located in the nearby city of Pisco (approx. 65 km north), this airport was significantly upgraded and modernized to serve as the main international and domestic airport for the entire Ica region, capable of handling large commercial jets and serving as an alternative to Lima's airport.