Porto Alto Airstrip

Safety and economic reasons. The primary cause for closure was the severe degradation of the unpaved runway and a general lack of maintenance of the facilities. The surface became uneven and unsafe for aircraft operations, leading ANAC to officially close the airstrip. Its location within an active military training area likely complicated any potential private investment for upkeep.

The airstrip is closed and abandoned. Satellite imagery clearly shows the remnants of the dirt/grass runway, but it is overgrown, in a state of complete disrepair, and unusable for any aviation activity. Some derelict buildings, likely former hangars or club facilities, are still visible on site. The entire area is part of the 'Campo Militar de Porto Alto', a large and active military training ground used by the Portuguese Army for exercises.

The airstrip has both military and civilian historical significance. It was originally built as a military airfield, inaugurated in 1954, to serve the Portuguese Army's air observation squadron ('Esquadrilha de Observação Aérea da Escola Prática de Cavalaria'). This unit operated light aircraft, such as the Piper L-21 Super Cub, for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and liaison in support of cavalry units. After the Army's aviation assets were integrated into the Portuguese Air Force, the airfield's primary military purpose ceased. Subsequently, it transitioned to civilian use and became a popular location for general aviation, especially for ultralight aircraft (ULM) training and recreational flights. It was utilized by private pilots and flying clubs, including the Aero Clube de Portugal.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the Porto Alto Airstrip. A reopening would require a substantial financial investment to completely rebuild the runway and facilities. Furthermore, any such initiative would be contingent on an agreement with the Portuguese Ministry of Defense and the Army, which owns and actively uses the land. Given the high cost, logistical challenges, and the availability of other general aviation airfields in the region, a reopening is considered highly unlikely.