San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT)

San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT), also known by its ICAO code MMCO, is a significant aviation facility serving the city of Comitán de Domínguez in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Historically a regional hub for civilian traffic, the airport underwent a major transition in 2003 when civil aviation operations were officially suspended due to shifting regional demand. Today, the facility acts as a critical military installation, serving as the 17th Air Force Base (Base Aérea Militar No. 17) for the Mexican Air Force.

The airport's infrastructure is now primarily tailored to military and government operations rather than standard commercial passenger traffic. There is no longer a public passenger terminal with retail or dining amenities; instead, the facility houses administrative offices, barracks, and specialized hangars for the Mexican Air Force. The airfield features a well-maintained 1,800-meter asphalt runway that is used for surveillance, logistical support, and national security missions in the southern frontier region of Mexico. While the facility is closed to regular commercial airlines, it remains a vital node for government flights and emergency services in Chiapas.

Currently, San Antonio Copalar primarily facilitates military transport, reconnaissance flights, and essential government logistics. Its role is fundamental to the security and stability of the southern Mexican border region, providing a rapid aerial link for the deployment of personnel and supplies. While no scheduled commercial services are offered at CJT, travelers looking for air links to the region typically utilize the nearby Palenque International Airport (PQM) or the major hub at Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ). Ground transportation into central Comitán is served by local taxis and military shuttles, and the airfield remains a restricted-access site critical to the national defense infrastructure of Mexico.