Gledka Airfield

Primarily economic reasons. Following the political and economic changes in Bulgaria after 1989, the state-owned Balkan Bulgarian Airlines discontinued its unprofitable domestic routes to smaller cities. Simultaneously, the state-sponsored agricultural aviation sector (Селскостопанска авиация - ССА), which was a major user of the airfield, collapsed. The combination of these factors rendered the airport economically unviable, leading to its abandonment and closure.

The airport is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced dereliction. The single asphalt runway is cracked and deteriorated, and the small terminal building and other structures are ruined. The site is not secured and is frequently used for unauthorized activities, including illegal car races and drifting, which has caused further damage to the infrastructure. The ownership of the land has been the subject of prolonged legal and administrative disputes between the state, the municipality of Kardzali, and private individuals seeking restitution of property nationalized during the socialist era.

Opened in the 1960s (sources suggest 1967), Gledka Airfield was a significant regional transport hub for the Kardzali Province. Its primary functions were:
1. **Domestic Passenger Flights:** It handled regular scheduled flights operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, providing a vital connection between Kardzali and the capital, Sofia. These flights were crucial before the modernization of the national road network. The route was typically served by aircraft such as the Antonov An-24 and possibly the Yakovlev Yak-40.
2. **Agricultural Aviation:** The airfield served as a major base for agricultural aircraft, predominantly the Antonov An-2. These planes were used for crop-dusting and other agricultural tasks in the Eastern Rhodopes, a region known for its tobacco production.

The idea of reopening Gledka Airfield has been a recurring topic in local politics in Kardzali for over two decades. Proponents argue it would boost tourism (especially for attractions like the ancient city of Perperikon) and attract business investment. Various proposals have been floated, from restoring it for small passenger and cargo aircraft to converting it for general aviation or air taxi services. However, no concrete, funded plans have ever materialized due to significant obstacles:
- **Prohibitive Costs:** The entire infrastructure requires complete reconstruction to meet modern aviation and safety standards.
- **Unresolved Ownership:** The complex legal status of the land makes it difficult for any public or private entity to invest.
- **Questionable Viability:** There are serious doubts about whether a reopened airport could be commercially successful, given the relatively small local market and improved road connections to larger airports like Plovdiv (PDV).
As of now, reopening remains a distant local ambition rather than a viable project.