Alfes Airfield

Environmental protection. The airfield is located within the 'Timoneda d'Alfés', a designated Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA/SPA in Spanish/English). The noise and activity from aviation were determined to be incompatible with the conservation of the fragile steppe ecosystem and its protected bird species, such as the Dupont's lark, little bustard, and sandgrouse. The Catalan government prioritized the site's ecological value, leading to the definitive cessation of all flight operations.

The site has been fully repurposed and is now a protected nature reserve known as 'La Timoneda d'Alfés'. The former runways and taxiways are unmaintained and are being reclaimed by the natural steppe vegetation. The historic Civil War-era buildings, including the command post and hangars, have been restored. They now serve as an interpretation center, providing information to visitors about both the area's unique ecosystem and the significant history of the airfield itself.

Alfes Airfield holds significant historical importance, primarily from the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It was constructed by the Republican government between 1936 and 1937 and became one of its most important and active airbases. It was a primary base for Soviet-made aircraft like the Polikarpov I-15 'Chato' and I-16 'Mosca' fighters. The airfield played a crucial strategic role during major offensives, including the Battle of Belchite and, most notably, the Battle of the Ebro. After the war, it was taken over by the Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) but saw progressively less use. In its final decades, it was used for general aviation and sport flying by a local aeroclub before its ultimate closure.

Effectively zero. The site's legal status as a protected nature reserve (ZEPA) and its successful transformation into a historical and environmental interpretation center make any prospect of reopening it as an active airfield extremely unlikely. The focus is entirely on conservation and historical preservation.