Korçë Airfield

The primary reason for its closure was the political and economic transformation of Albania after the Cold War. This led to a massive downsizing of the military, severe economic constraints, and the obsolescence of its aircraft fleet. The base, along with its aging jets, became too expensive to maintain and operate, and was no longer strategically necessary in the new geopolitical landscape.

The site is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. The runway is heavily weathered, cracked, and overgrown with grass and weeds. The concrete taxiways and hardened aircraft shelters remain but are derelict and empty. The area is unsecured and is sometimes used by local residents for informal activities like driving practice, grazing livestock, or as a pass-through. It serves no aviation, military, or official purpose.

Korçë Airfield was a key military airbase for the Albanian Air Force during the communist era under Enver Hoxha. Constructed in the 1960s, it was strategically located in the southeast of the country to defend against potential incursions. The base primarily housed fighter squadrons operating Shenyang J-6 jets (the Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19). It was an important part of Albania's isolationist defense doctrine, featuring a long runway and numerous hardened aircraft shelters (bunkers) designed to protect aircraft from attack.

There are no concrete, funded, or official plans to reopen or redevelop the Korçë Airfield. While the idea of establishing a civilian airport in the Korçë region to support tourism has been floated by local officials and business interests over the years, the Albanian government's recent focus has been on other airport projects (such as Vlorë and Sarandë). The extensive degradation of the existing infrastructure means that any future airport at this location would require a complete and costly reconstruction, making it an unlikely prospect in the near to medium term.