St Charles Airport

The primary reason for the closure was economic, specifically the sale of the land for a large-scale commercial real estate project. The airport was situated on prime land near a major interstate (I-70), and its value for commercial and residential development far surpassed its value as a general aviation airport. This is a classic case of urban encroachment, where the expanding city made the land too valuable to remain an airfield.

The site has been completely redeveloped and shows no visible trace of its aviation past. It is now home to 'The Streets of St. Charles,' a large, upscale mixed-use development. This complex includes retail stores, numerous restaurants, a multi-screen movie theater, office buildings, luxury apartments, and hotels. The former runways and hangars have been replaced by streets, buildings, and parking structures.

Established around 1942, St. Charles Airport (which had the FAA identifier 3K3) was a vital general aviation hub for St. Charles County and the greater St. Louis region for over 60 years. It did not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights but was crucial for private pilots, flight training, and business aviation. The airport was home to the well-known St. Charles Flying Service, which provided flight instruction, aircraft rental, and maintenance services to generations of pilots. At the time of its closure, it featured a single 3,800-foot asphalt runway (18/36) and was a beloved community landmark for local aviation enthusiasts.

There are zero prospects for the airport to reopen. The land has been permanently and completely redeveloped with high-value commercial and residential properties. Reacquiring the land and demolishing the existing infrastructure to rebuild an airport would be economically and logistically impossible. The general aviation needs of the area are now served by other nearby airports, primarily the St. Charles County Smartt Airport (KSET).