Stanke Dimitrov Air Base

Military downsizing and strategic restructuring. Following the end of the Cold War and in preparation for Bulgaria's accession to NATO, the Bulgarian Air Force underwent significant consolidation. The base, primarily a training facility, was considered redundant and was closed to reduce operational costs and concentrate forces at fewer, more modern locations.

The site is no longer an airport and is in a state of advanced decay. A significant portion of the former airfield, including large sections of the runway and taxiways, has been repurposed and is now covered by a large-scale photovoltaic (solar) power plant. The remaining infrastructure, such as hangars and administrative buildings, is largely derelict, though some areas may be used for light industrial or agricultural storage. The runway is completely unusable for any aviation purposes.

Stanke Dimitrov Air Base was a key training facility for the Bulgarian Air Force. It was home to the 11th Training Air Regiment (11-ти учебен авиополк). The primary mission of the base was the initial and basic jet training for new generations of military pilots. Operations were centered around a fleet of jet trainer aircraft, most notably the Czechoslovakian-made Aero L-29 Delfín and later the Aero L-39 Albatros. For decades during the Cold War, nearly every Bulgarian jet pilot passed through this base, making it a cornerstone of the country's military aviation training infrastructure within the Warsaw Pact.

There are no known plans or credible prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The installation of the extensive solar farm on the core aviation surfaces presents a significant and likely permanent obstacle to any potential restoration. The cost to remove the solar park and rebuild the dilapidated infrastructure would be prohibitive. Furthermore, with Sofia Airport (SOF) relatively nearby, there is no economic or strategic demand for another airport in the region.