Gütersloh Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent strategic realignment of British military forces. The UK's 'Options for Change' defence review in the early 1990s mandated a significant reduction of the British Forces Germany (BFG). With the diminished threat from the Warsaw Pact, the need for a large, forward-deployed air force in Germany was greatly reduced, leading to the closure of several RAF bases, including Gütersloh.

The former air base is undergoing a major redevelopment project managed by the city of Gütersloh. The site is being converted into a large commercial, industrial, and logistics park known as 'Gewerbepark Flugplatz Gütersloh'. Major companies, including the appliance manufacturer Miele, have established large logistics and distribution centers on the property. Some of the original military infrastructure, such as hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) and hangars, are being repurposed for commercial use. Large portions of the area are also designated for nature conservation. While the main runway and taxiways are still largely intact and visible, they are no longer operational and are being progressively integrated into the new road network or removed.

RAF Gütersloh, with the historical ICAO code ETUO, was a pivotal frontline air base for RAF Germany throughout the Cold War. Constructed by the Royal Engineers in 1945, it was one of the closest Western airfields to the Inner German Border. Initially, it hosted fighter squadrons flying aircraft like the de Havilland Vampire and Hawker Hunter. During the 1960s and 70s, it was a key air defence base, home to English Electric Lightning interceptors. Its most famous role was as the home of V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing) Harrier ground-attack squadrons, which were uniquely capable of operating from dispersed, camouflaged locations in the event of a conflict. In its final years as an RAF station, it transitioned to become the primary support helicopter base in Germany, hosting squadrons of Chinook and Puma helicopters, which provided vital transport for the 1st British Corps.

There are no plans or realistic prospects for reopening the site as an airport. In the years following the announcement of the military withdrawal, there were extensive discussions and feasibility studies about converting the air base into a civilian regional airport (potentially for cargo or low-cost passenger traffic). However, these plans were ultimately abandoned due to economic unviability, environmental concerns, and the close proximity of established international airports such as Paderborn/Lippstadt (PAD) and Münster/Osnabrück (FMO). The current, advanced stage of the site's conversion into a commercial and industrial park makes any future aviation use impossible.