Westmalle Heliport

Military Reorganization. The heliport was not a standalone facility but the designated helicopter operations area within the Malle-Zoersel Air Base (then EBMC). It was closed as part of a broader post-Cold War reorganization of the Belgian military, which involved closing several bases and relocating the army's Light Aviation units that were stationed there.

The site is now part of the active, civilian Malle-Zoersel Airfield (ICAO: EBZR). The entire former military base has been converted for recreational aviation use. It is operated by the Aero Para Club der Kempen (APCK) and is a popular center for general aviation (private aircraft), gliding, and parachuting. The former helicopter pads and hangars are now used for storing and operating civilian aircraft and for club activities. The airfield is also well-known for hosting large-scale public events, including fly-ins and major electronic music festivals.

The heliport was an integral part of the NATO reserve airfield at Malle-Zoersel. It served as the home base for helicopter squadrons of the Belgian Army's Light Aviation (Licht Vliegwezen / Aviation Légère). Primarily, the 17th and 18th Squadrons were based here, operating the Aérospatiale Alouette II helicopter. These units were responsible for reconnaissance, observation, liaison, and light transport duties in support of the Belgian I Corps, which was tasked with defending a sector of the North German Plain during the Cold War. The heliport's operations were a key component of the army's tactical mobility and reconnaissance capabilities.

There are no plans or prospects to reopen the site as a military heliport or under its former designation (BE-0058). The site is fully operational as a civilian recreational airfield (EBZR), which can and does accommodate civilian helicopter traffic as part of its general aviation activities. The military function of the site has been permanently discontinued.