Drachenflugplatz Welver Ultralight Airfield

The closure was due to economic and land-use reasons. The landowner who had leased the property to the flying club for several decades terminated the lease agreement. The operating club, Drachenfliegerclub Welver e.V., was unable to negotiate a renewal or find a suitable and affordable alternative site, forcing the permanent closure of the airfield.

The site has fully reverted to agricultural use. The former grass runway is no longer maintained and has been integrated into the surrounding farmland by the property owner. Satellite imagery shows no remaining aviation infrastructure such as hangars, windsocks, or distinct runway markings. The land is now indistinguishable from the adjacent fields and is privately used for farming.

Drachenflugplatz Welver was a 'Sonderlandeplatz' (special airfield) dedicated to ultralight aviation. For over 30 years (since the mid-1980s), it served as the home base for the Drachenfliegerclub Welver e.V. The name 'Drachenflugplatz' translates to 'Hang Glider Airfield', highlighting its importance for hang gliding and paragliding, often using winch launches or ultralight tugs. The airfield was a vital hub for the local recreational flying community, accommodating a range of ultralight aircraft including trikes (weight-shift controlled) and 3-axis airplanes. It fostered a community of aviation enthusiasts and provided essential infrastructure for their hobby in the region.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield at this location. The definitive termination of the land lease by the owner and the subsequent dissolution or relocation of the flying club's activities make a revival at the original site highly improbable. Establishing a new airfield in Germany is an extremely difficult process due to strict regulations, land acquisition challenges, and potential local opposition, so it is considered permanently closed.