Dobrich, BG 🇧🇬 Closed Airport
BG-0178
-
825 ft
BG-08
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 43.6096° N, 27.8365° E
Continent: EU
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: LB43
Dobrich Air Base (BG-0178), also known by its ICAO code LB43, is a former Bulgarian military installation that was disbanded in 2002. It is currently classified as a "Closed Airfield" and a "defunct airport".
Due to its status as a closed and former military air base, there are no recent traveler reviews or experiences available for public commercial flights, terminal facilities, security wait times, customs/immigration, or transportation connections. The facility does not operate as a civilian airport with regular passenger traffic.
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| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15/33 |
8200 ft | 262 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
The air base was effectively closed in late 2001, with the final military unit being disbanded in 2002. The last flight of a MiG-29 from the base is reported to have occurred on September 26, 2001.
The closure was a direct result of the large-scale restructuring and downsizing of the Bulgarian Armed Forces following the end of the Cold War and in preparation for Bulgaria's accession to NATO. The primary drivers were economic, as maintaining multiple air bases with advanced fighter jets was no longer financially viable for the country. The Bulgarian Air Force consolidated its fighter assets at other key bases, such as Graf Ignatievo Air Base.
The site is currently abandoned and in a state of significant disrepair. The runway, taxiways, and hardened aircraft shelters are crumbling and overgrown with vegetation. The area is largely derelict, though it is occasionally used unofficially for local events such as car meets, drag racing, and driver training. Some of the buildings may be used for storage, but there is no official, large-scale activity on the former air base. The site is a popular destination for urban explorers and aviation enthusiasts.
Dobrich Air Base, formerly known by the ICAO code LBDB, was a key military installation for the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War. It was strategically located to protect Bulgaria's northeastern airspace and the Black Sea coast. It was home to the 26th Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment, which later became the 26th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment. The base operated various Soviet-era aircraft, including the MiG-17, Su-22, and most notably, the MiG-21 and the advanced MiG-29 'Fulcrum' fighter jets. It was often referred to as the 'Eagles' Nest' (Орлово гнездо) and played a crucial role in Bulgaria's air defense system as part of the Warsaw Pact.
Over the years, there have been numerous discussions and proposals to revive the airport, but none have materialized into a funded project. Ideas have included converting it into a civilian cargo hub, a low-cost passenger airport to serve the Dobrich region and supplement Varna Airport, or developing the area into an industrial and logistics park. However, the significant cost required to completely rebuild the runway and infrastructure, coupled with the proximity of the major international airport in Varna (approx. 45 km away), makes the economic viability of reopening it as an airport highly challenging. As of now, there are no concrete or active plans for its reopening.