Oldenburg Air Base

Military Conversion and Restructuring. The closure was a direct result of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) restructuring plan. The primary unit stationed at the base, Jagdbombergeschwader 43 'Oldenburg' (Fighter-Bomber Wing 43), was disbanded, making the air base redundant for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).

The former air base site has been completely redeveloped for civilian use. The vast area has been transformed into:

- **Solar Park:** A large portion of the former runways and taxiways is now covered by the 'Solarpark Fliegerhorst Oldenburg', one of Germany's largest photovoltaic power plants.
- **Urban Development:** A new city district, known as the 'Fliegerhorst-Quartier', is being developed on the site. This includes residential housing, commercial businesses, public parks, and a technology park (Technologiepark Oldenburg) focused on innovation and research.
- **Nature Conservation:** Parts of the area have been designated as nature conservation zones to preserve local flora and fauna.

The original airfield infrastructure, including the main runway, has been dismantled or repurposed, making aviation operations impossible.

Oldenburg Air Base, historically known as Fliegerhorst Oldenburg (ICAO: ETNO), has a significant military history.

- **1930s - WWII:** It was constructed in the mid-1930s for the Nazi-era Luftwaffe. During World War II, it was a key base for various fighter and destroyer units, including elements of Zerstörergeschwader 26 and Jagdgeschwader 1, flying aircraft like the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Fw 190. It played a role in the defense of Northern Germany and the German Bight.

- **Post-WWII / Cold War (RAF):** After the war, the base was taken over by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and renamed RAF Oldenburg. It was an important frontline air base during the early Cold War, hosting various RAF squadrons flying aircraft such as the de Havilland Vampire, Hawker Hunter, and Gloster Javelin.

- **Bundeswehr Era (Luftwaffe):** In 1957, the base was handed back to the newly formed West German Air Force (Luftwaffe). It became home to Jagdbombergeschwader 43 (JaboG 43) in 1964. For decades, it was a vital NATO air base. The wing initially flew the Fiat G.91 and later the Alpha Jet. In 1993, the wing was re-equipped with the Panavia Tornado IDS, operating in the fighter-bomber role until its deactivation and the base's subsequent closure.

None. There are no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The extensive and irreversible redevelopment of the land into a solar park, residential district, and commercial/technology park makes a return to aviation use unfeasible. The land has been fully converted to civilian purposes.