Ica Airport

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 However, the aviation functions it once served have been replaced by two other facilities: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. **Aeródromo 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 Elías 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.