Aerodromo do Coentral

The aerodrome ceased operations in the aftermath of the catastrophic wildfires of June 2017, which started in neighboring Pedrógão Grande and heavily devastated the Castanheira de Pêra region. While the runway infrastructure itself was largely spared from the flames, the aerodrome's closure was an indirect consequence of the disaster. The socio-economic impact on the region and the private owner led to the cessation of its recreational activities. Subsequently, due to its inactivity, it was de-listed as a certified aerodrome by the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).

The site is currently closed, inactive, and in a state of disuse. Satellite imagery confirms the paved runway and taxiway are still physically present but are unmaintained, with visible vegetation growth on the surface. There are no aircraft on site, and the facility is not operational. It is private property awaiting a potential transfer to public ownership.

Aeródromo do Coentral was a small, privately-owned airfield constructed and maintained by a local businessman and aviation enthusiast. It featured a single paved runway (approximately 500 meters long) and served primarily as a base for general and recreational aviation, especially for ultralight aircraft. It was a significant local asset for the aviation community in the mountainous interior of Central Portugal. Its strategic location was highlighted when its owner offered the facility as a potential support base for firefighting aircraft during the 2017 fires, although it was not ultimately used for that purpose during the crisis.

There are concrete and official plans to reopen and repurpose the aerodrome. Recognizing its strategic value for emergency response after the 2017 tragedy, the Municipality of Castanheira de Pêra has initiated plans to acquire the site. The municipality's Forest Fire Defense Plan (Plano Municipal de Defesa da Floresta Contra Incêndios 2020-2029) explicitly lists the 'Requalification and operationalization of the Coentral Aerodrome' as a key strategic action. The goal is to transform the former recreational airfield into a permanent Civil Protection Support Base (BAPC) for aerial firefighting operations, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance drones, to better serve this highly fire-prone region.