Héron, BE 🇧🇪 Closed Airport
BE-0051
-
607 ft
BE-WLG
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 50.538898° N, 5.10917° E
Continent: EU
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: EBHE
Unfortunately, recent traveler reviews and experiences specifically for Héron-Couthuin Ultralight Airfield (BE-0051) are not readily available in the search results. Information regarding traveler sentiment, terminal facilities, security wait times, customs/immigration, transportation connections, or parking directly related to this specific ultralight airfield could not be found.
It is important to note that as an ultralight airfield, Héron-Couthuin (also known as Couthuin Airport, ICAO: EBHE) is a small public use airfield primarily catering to ultralight aircraft, not commercial flights. Therefore, typical commercial airport amenities such as extensive terminal facilities, security checkpoints, and customs/immigration services would not be present.
The airfield features a grass runway (05/23) that is approximately 299 meters (980 feet) long. There is an associated entity, the AERO CLUB ULM DE HERON, located at "ULMODROME DU HEREDIA RUE DU TAILLIS 174, 4520 - WANZE, Belgique".
Given the nature of an ultralight airfield, experiences would typically focus on the flying conditions, the state of the grass runway, and the community/club atmosphere, rather than the types of amenities and services found at larger commercial airports. Without specific traveler reviews, it's impossible to summarize common complaints or notable strengths from a user perspective.
Researching traveler experiences online...
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Late 2018. The airfield officially ceased operations at the end of 2018 when its operating permit expired and was not successfully renewed.
Regulatory and local opposition. The primary reason for closure was the expiration of the airfield's operating permit. The subsequent application for renewal faced a complex administrative process and significant opposition from a group of local residents who raised concerns about noise pollution. The failure to secure a new permit forced the cessation of all flight activities.
The airfield is closed and inactive. The site remains physically intact, with satellite imagery showing the grass runway and a hangar still present and the grounds appearing maintained. However, it is no longer used for any aviation activities. The land has reverted to private use, with no new construction or alternative commercial/industrial development having taken place on the former runway.
Héron-Couthuin was a private ultralight (ULM) airfield that played a key role in the local recreational aviation scene in the Hesbaye region of Wallonia. Operated by aviator Jean-Marie Lafontaine, it served as a home base for approximately a dozen ultralight aircraft. The airfield was a hub for private pilots, offering facilities for recreational flights, ULM storage, and likely some flight training. Its significance was rooted in its contribution to the general aviation community, providing essential infrastructure for enthusiasts in an area with few such facilities.
Prospects for reopening are very low to non-existent. The permit renewal application in 2018 was ultimately unsuccessful. There have been no public reports, new permit applications, or official plans announced since then to indicate any effort to revive the airfield. Given the previous local opposition, overcoming the regulatory and community hurdles required to reopen would be extremely challenging.