Dobroslavtsi Air Base

Military restructuring and economic reasons. The closure was part of a major reform and downsizing of the Bulgarian Armed Forces following the end of the Cold War and in preparation for Bulgaria's accession to NATO (which occurred in 2004). The strategy involved consolidating military assets, decommissioning older infrastructure, and reducing operational costs. The 16th Transport Air Base, the last active unit at the site, was officially disbanded, and its functions and remaining aircraft were merged with other units at different air bases.

The air base is closed for all aviation operations and is in a state of disuse, though the property remains under the ownership of the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence. Its vast infrastructure, including the long runway, taxiways, and distinctive hardened aircraft shelters, is largely intact but decaying. The site is now used for a variety of purposes:
- **Automotive Events:** The runway is a popular, albeit often unsanctioned, venue for drag racing, car meets, and driver training.
- **Renewable Energy:** A significant portion of the airfield has been repurposed for a large-scale photovoltaic (solar) power plant.
- **Military Training:** The Bulgarian Army, including special forces units, occasionally uses the abandoned base for ground exercises and drills.
- **Filming Location:** Its derelict, post-Soviet appearance has made it a sought-after location for film and music video productions.

Dobroslavtsi Air Base has a significant dual history in the Bulgarian Air Force. It was initially established in 1951 as a key fighter base responsible for the air defense of the capital, Sofia, during the Warsaw Pact era. It was home to the 18th Fighter Aviation Regiment, which operated various Soviet-made fighter jets, including the MiG-17, MiG-21, and most notably, the advanced variable-geometry MiG-23 in its MLD, MLA, and UB variants. After the end of the Cold War, the fighter regiment was disbanded in 1994. The base was then repurposed to become the 16th Transport Air Base, taking over the transport aviation functions from Sofia-Vrazhdebna Airport. In this role, it operated a fleet of transport aircraft such as the Antonov An-24, An-26, An-30, and the Let L-410 Turbolet, handling military logistics, paratrooper training, and aerial reconnaissance missions until its final closure.

There have been recurring discussions and proposals over the past two decades to revitalize Dobroslavtsi Air Base as a civilian airport. The most common proposal is to convert it into a secondary airport for Sofia, primarily to serve low-cost carriers and cargo flights, thereby alleviating traffic at the main Sofia Airport (SOF). Proponents highlight its existing long runway and strategic proximity to the capital. However, none of these plans have progressed beyond the conceptual stage. Major obstacles include the substantial investment required to upgrade the infrastructure to meet modern civilian aviation safety and security standards, the continued ownership by the Ministry of Defence, and the ongoing expansion and modernization projects at the existing Sofia Airport. As of now, there are no active, funded, or government-approved plans to reopen the air base, and its future as an operational airport remains highly speculative.