Gontrode Airfrield

The primary reason for closure was military obsolescence. The grass runways and pre-war facilities were inadequate for the new era of heavier, faster jet aircraft. Following the liberation of Belgium and the end of WWII, the site was demilitarized, and the land was progressively returned to its original agricultural purpose.

The site of the former airfield has been completely reclaimed by nature and agriculture. There are no visible runways, hangars, or buildings remaining. The area now consists of open farmland, meadows, and a protected nature reserve known as the 'Gontrodese Meersen'. The layout of the former airfield can sometimes be faintly discerned in aerial photographs through crop marks and field boundaries. A significant war memorial, often called the 'Gotha Memorial', stands near the site to commemorate the victims of the WWI bombing raids that were launched from Gontrode.

Gontrode Airfield holds major historical significance, particularly from World War I. It was established by the German Imperial Army in 1917 as 'Flugplatz Gontrode'. It became one of the most important bases for Germany's strategic bombing campaign against Great Britain. The airfield was home to heavy bomber squadrons, most notably the Bombengeschwader der Obersten Heeresleitung 3 (Bogohl 3), which operated large Gotha G.IV and G.V bombers. These units conducted night-time bombing raids on strategic targets in England, including London, causing significant damage and civilian casualties. After the 1918 Armistice, the field was briefly occupied by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) before being handed over to the Belgian military. During the interwar period, it was used by the Belgian Air Force. In World War II, it was captured and used again by the German Luftwaffe, primarily as a satellite/decoy airfield, and was subsequently targeted by Allied bombers.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Gontrode Airfield. The land has been fully repurposed for agriculture and nature conservation for over 75 years, and its redevelopment as an aviation facility is not feasible or under consideration.