Zhitnitsa Airfield

Military restructuring and economic factors. Following the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the Bulgarian Armed Forces underwent significant downsizing. The high operational and maintenance costs of the air base and its advanced aircraft were no longer sustainable within the new national budget and defense doctrine. Zhitnitsa was one of several military airfields closed during this period of reform.

The site has been repurposed and is no longer used for aviation. A large portion of the former airfield, including its aprons and surrounding areas, has been converted into one of Bulgaria's largest photovoltaic power plants, known as the 'Zhitnitsa Solar Park'. The main runway and the distinctive hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) are still visible but are in a state of disrepair, with cracked pavement and vegetation growth.

Zhitnitsa Airfield was a strategically important military air base for the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War. Its primary historical significance lies in being the home base for the 25th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment (25-ти изтребително-бомбардировъчен авиационен полк). This regiment operated several types of aircraft throughout its history, but was most notably equipped with MiG-17 'Fresco' fighter-bombers and later, the more advanced and powerful supersonic variable-sweep wing Sukhoi Su-22M4 and Su-22UM3K 'Fitter' aircraft. The base played a key role in the air defense and strike capabilities of the Warsaw Pact's southern flank.

Extremely low to none. The extensive and permanent installation of the solar park on key operational infrastructure of the former airfield makes any return to aviation activities logistically and economically unfeasible. There are no known official plans, proposals, or discussions regarding the reopening of Zhitnitsa Airfield.