Rivera International Airport
Pres. Gral. Óscar D. Gestido Binational Airport, formerly called Cerro Chapeu International Airport, is an airport serving Rivera, Uruguay, and Santana do Livramento, Brazil. Since 1999 it is named after Óscar Diego Gestido, 32nd President of Uruguay.
History
The airport was opened on June 16, 1979.On August 14, 2023 Uruguay and Brazil signed an agreement to binationalize the airport. According to this agreement, as a binational facility, flights originated in Brazil are treated as domestic, even though the facility is in Uruguayan territory. The airport was redeveloped during 2023/2024, with the runway being resurfaced and new LED lighting, along with new approach lighting and a PAPI. The terminal building was also renewed and extended. The control tower received new equipment, along with facilities and new equipment for the fire service and the police.
This is the first bi-national airport in Latin America and second in the world, after EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg.
There are low wooded hills north and east of the runway. The Tacuarembó VOR-DME is located south-southwest of the airport. The Rivera non-directional beacon is located on the field.