Uruapan International Airport

Uruapan International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Uruapan); officially ''Aeropuerto Internacional Lic. y Gen. Ignacio López Rayón'' (Lic. y Gen. Ignacio López Rayón International Airport) is an international airport located in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. It serves domestic flights and it supports flight training, executive, and general aviation activities. Operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (GAFSACOMM), a federal government-owned corporation, the airport is named after Ignacio López Rayón, a leader in the Mexican War of Independence. In 2022, the airport served 151,151 passengers, and in 2023, the passenger count was 173,005.

History
The first air services to Uruapan began in 1937, connecting the city to Acapulco. The airport joined the Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) network in 1970. Regional airlines like Aero Cuahonte and Aero Sudpacífico were once based here. Over the years, Uruapan Airport has been served by various airlines, including Aeromar, Avolar, Lineas Aereas Azteca, and TAESA Airlines. International services started in October 2012 with Volaris offering flights to Los Angeles. In 2023, airport operations shifted to Grupo Olmeca Maya Mexica (GAFSACOMM), a military-owned entity, aligning with the López Obrador administration's strategy to involve the armed forces in major infrastructure projects.

Facilities
The airport is situated within the Uruapan urban area, covering an approximate area of 264 ha, at an elevation of 1603 m above sea level. It features a 2400 m asphalt runway, capable of accommodating aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The commercial aviation apron spans 15652 m2 with the capacity to host three narrow-body aircraft. The official operating hours of the airport are from 7:00 to 19:00.

The passenger terminal, a two-story structure, accommodates arrivals and departures, offering standard services commonly found at regional airports. These services include parking facilities, a check-in area, a security checkpoint, a VIP lounge, retail outlets, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim zones, an arrivals hall with car rental services and taxi stands, and a departure concourse with three gates providing direct access to the apron, allowing passengers to board their planes by walking to the aircraft. Furthermore, the airport houses logistics and courier companies, administrative, and police facilities.

Accidents and incidents

 * TAESA Flight 725, a DC-9, crashed on take-off from Uruapan International Airport en route to Mexico City on November 25, 1999, killing all 18 people on board.