RHA History

This airport was constructed during World War II as part of the Ramey Field military complex. It was transfered to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1973, and since it has been managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. In 1987 it was named “Rafael Hernández Airport” after one of the most prominent puertorrican composers, who was born in Aguadilla.

Rafael Hernández Airport is becoming increasingly important because it serves as the main gateway to Porta del Sol, Puerto Rico’s Western Region. In order to support this region’s expansion the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico inaugurated an $8.8 million dollar renovation of the domestic passenger terminal on July 12, 2005 which included an expansion of 22,000 square feet. This expansion also featured a renovation of the current control tower.

Rafael Hernández Marín
(1892 - 1965)
Composer and musician

Rafael Hernández “El jibarito” was born in Aguadilla, PR. He was a musician but is more commonly known as a composer. He learned music at a young age and played in various local bands. During the Second World War he served in the Armed Forces, where he also played in the Military Band. He founded various musical groups which were very popular in their times, among them “Trío Borinquen” and “Cuarteto Victoria”. His immortal masterpieces include “Lamento borincano”, “Cachita”, “Capullito de alhelí”, “Preciosa”, “Campanitas de cristal”, “Perfume de gardenias”, “Ahora seremos felices”, “El cumbanchero”, “Silencio”, “Tú no comprendes”, “Ese soy yo”, along more than 3,000 more compositions. In 1987 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico honored his memory by naming the airport in Aguadilla “Rafael Hernández Airport”.