Haapsalu Air Base

The air base was closed due to military abandonment following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. After Estonia regained its independence, Soviet (later Russian) troops were required to withdraw. The withdrawal process was completed by August 31, 1994, at which point the base was handed over to the Estonian authorities. The newly independent Estonian Defence Forces had no operational requirement or the financial resources to maintain such a large and specialized military airbase.

The site is largely derelict, with most of the military buildings, including hangars and barracks, in a state of ruin. However, the main runway and some taxiways remain partially intact. The airfield is not certified for public air traffic but is actively used for civilian activities. Its primary current use is as a venue for motorsports, particularly drag racing and drifting events, which are famously held on the long, straight runway (e.g., 'Kiltsi Drag Race'). It is also occasionally used by light aircraft and for pilot training at the user's own risk. A portion of the former base territory has also been developed into a solar park.

During the Cold War, Haapsalu Air Base (also known as Kiltsi Airfield) was a key frontline interceptor base for the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO). Its strategic location on the Baltic coast made it vital for intercepting potential NATO aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The base was primarily home to the 425th Fighter Aviation Regiment (425 IAP). This regiment operated MiG-23ML and later MiG-23MLD 'Flogger-G' fighter aircraft. The 425th IAP was part of the 14th Air Defence Division, which fell under the command of the 6th Independent Air Defence Army. The base featured a long concrete runway, numerous hardened aircraft shelters (revetments), and extensive support infrastructure, representing a significant Soviet military presence in occupied Estonia.

There are no official or funded plans to reopen Haapsalu Air Base as a full-scale commercial or military airport. The cost of renovating the decaying infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, and support buildings, would be substantial. Its current, well-established use for popular motorsports events makes a conversion back to a fully operational airport unlikely in the near future. While it may continue to see limited use by general aviation enthusiasts, there are no known prospects for its restoration to its former status.