Metz-Frescaty (BA 128) Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the 2008 French military restructuring plan ('Réforme des armées françaises'). This nationwide reorganization, driven by post-Cold War strategic re-evaluation and budget constraints, aimed to create a more modern and efficient military by closing numerous bases and consolidating forces. The closure was for strategic and economic reasons, not due to any local issue or accident.

The former air base site has been undergoing a major redevelopment project since its closure. The land was transferred to local authorities (Metz Métropole) and is being transformed into a large mixed-use zone known as the 'Plateau de Frescaty'. This development includes commercial and industrial areas (notably a large Amazon logistics center), new residential housing, recreational facilities, and green spaces. A portion of the airfield, including the main runway, has been retained and operates as a civilian airfield (Aérodrome de Metz-Frescaty) dedicated to business, private, and general aviation. It is no longer a military installation.

Metz-Frescaty is one of the oldest airfields in the world, with a history spanning over a century. Key points include:
- **German Origins:** Established by the German Empire in 1909, initially for Zeppelin operations, when the region was part of Germany.
- **World War I:** Served as a key German Imperial Air Service base on the Western Front.
- **Interwar Period:** Became a major base for the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) after the Treaty of Versailles.
- **World War II:** Captured and used by the German Luftwaffe. After its liberation by US forces in 1944, it was used by the United States Army Air Forces as Advanced Landing Ground Y-34.
- **Cold War:** As Base Aérienne 128 'Lieutenant-colonel Dagnaux', it was a front-line NATO-assigned base. It hosted various prestigious units, including fighter squadrons (notably with Dassault Mirage F1 aircraft) and tactical transport squadrons (with Transall C-160s).
- **Civilian Operations:** It also served as the primary commercial airport for the city of Metz until the opening of the new, regional Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport (ETZ) in 1991.

There are no plans or prospects for the site to reopen as a military air base or a major commercial airport. The strategic military role has been eliminated by the French government, and the region's commercial traffic is permanently handled by Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport (ETZ). The future of the site is firmly focused on the continued mixed-use redevelopment of the 'Plateau de Frescaty' and the operation of the smaller, retained airfield for business and general aviation purposes.