Alpha Airfield

The specific reason for closure is not documented due to the unofficial nature of the airfield. However, common reasons for the closure of such small, private airstrips include:
1. **Redundancy:** The proximity to the larger, paved Lobatse Airport (ICAO: FBLO), located less than 2 kilometers to the northwest, would have made a small, likely unpaved strip redundant.
2. **Economic Viability:** The strip was likely privately owned and became economically unsustainable to maintain.
3. **Urban Development:** The land was repurposed for residential or industrial use as the town of Lobatse expanded. This is the most evident reason, given the current state of the site.

The site at the coordinates -25.198058, 25.721603 has been fully redeveloped. High-resolution satellite imagery shows that the area is now occupied by residential housing and light industrial structures. There are no visible traces of a runway, taxiway, or any other aviation infrastructure at this specific location. The land has been completely repurposed.

There is no recorded historical significance for a facility named 'Alpha Airfield'. It was most likely a small, private, and possibly unpaved airstrip. When active, its operations would have been confined to general aviation. This could have included serving local businesses such as the Botswana Meat Commission (a major industry in Lobatse), supporting agricultural activities, or use by private flying enthusiasts. It would have handled only light, single-engine aircraft and was not equipped for commercial or military operations.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The land is no longer suitable for aviation as it has been built over with permanent structures. Any aviation needs for the Lobatse area are served by the existing Lobatse Airport (FBLO), which itself has very limited traffic. There is no economic or logistical justification to re-establish a defunct airstrip on developed land.