El Palomar Airport (EPA)

El Palomar Airport (EPA), also known by its ICAO code SADP, is a historic aviation facility located approximately 18 kilometers west of downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest airfields in the country and serves as the primary home base for the 1st Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force. Throughout its long history, the airport has been a critical center for military logistics, government transport, and national defense, maintaining a specialized role within the metropolitan area's aviation network. In early 2018, the airport underwent a significant transformation when it was inaugurated as Argentina's first dedicated low-cost commercial airport. During this brief but impactful era, the facility served as the primary hub for budget carriers Flybondi and JetSmart, aiming to democratize air travel in the region. The terminal was designed with a utilitarian "low-cost" concept, focusing on rapid passenger processing and high aircraft utilization, which allowed for significantly lower fares compared to the larger hubs at Ezeiza and Aeroparque. Commercial operations at El Palomar were suspended in December 2020 following a series of legal challenges, neighborhood environmental concerns, and the operational shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional authorities ultimately determined that the significant infrastructure investment required for runway reconstruction was not sustainable given the proximity of other well-equipped regional airports. Since the suspension, the commercial passenger facilities have been largely dismantled and relocated, and the airport has reverted to its original mission as a dedicated military and general aviation airfield. Today, the airport remains a bustling center for the Argentine Air Force and hosts an active local flight school. While it no longer serves scheduled commercial passengers, its strategic location near the El Palomar station of the San Martín railway line remains a notable feature of its geography. Travelers who previously utilized EPA are now directed to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for low-cost services. Despite the end of its commercial chapter, El Palomar continues to be a cornerstone of Argentina's military aviation heritage and a vital asset for the country's aerial defense infrastructure.