Fátima Salgueira Airstrip

The primary reason for the closure was the failure to meet modern safety standards. The airstrip was privately owned and lacked the necessary infrastructure and safety conditions for continued operation. This issue was compounded by the expansion of the adjacent 'Zona Industrial da Cova da Iria / Salgueira' (industrial park), which created obstacles and made the location unsuitable for aviation activities.

The site is abandoned. Satellite imagery clearly shows the remnants of the asphalt runway, which is in a state of significant disrepair, with cracks, vegetation growth, and faded markings. The airstrip is now completely surrounded by industrial and commercial buildings. The land itself is unused, and the former runway is sometimes unofficially used for activities like driving practice or local gatherings, a common fate for abandoned airfields.

Fátima Salgueira Airstrip was a small, privately-owned general aviation facility. Its main significance was providing direct air access for private pilots and a limited number of pilgrims traveling in light aircraft to the world-renowned Sanctuary of Fátima. It featured a single asphalt runway approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) long. The airstrip never handled commercial or scheduled flights but served as a convenient, niche entry point for religious tourism via private aviation before its operational and safety shortcomings led to its closure.

There are zero prospects for reopening the Fátima Salgueira Airstrip at its original location due to the insurmountable safety issues and the dense industrial development surrounding it. However, the idea of an airport for Fátima remains a recurring topic. For many years, there have been separate proposals and political discussions about building a new, modern aerodrome in a different, more suitable location near the city to support the millions of pilgrims who visit annually. These projects have consistently stalled due to financial, political, and environmental challenges, and as of now, no concrete plan is in motion.