Litochoro, GR 🇬🇷 Closed Airport
GR-0052
-
338 ft
GR-B
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 40.12212° N, 22.53513° E
Continent: EU
Type: Closed Airport
It appears there might be a misunderstanding regarding "Litochoro Airport (GR-0052)." Based on available information, Litochoro does not have its own operational commercial airport with passenger services that would generate traveler reviews. The identifier GR-0052 refers to Litochoro airport, but it is noted as a "defunct airport" and lacks official IATA or ICAO codes typically associated with public commercial airports.
Travelers looking to reach Litochoro typically fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), which is the closest major international airport, located approximately 38 miles away. Therefore, there are no recent traveler reviews and experiences specifically for "Litochoro Airport (GR-0052)" concerning terminal facilities, security, customs, or transportation connections as it does not serve commercial passengers.
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The airport was never open for public/civilian use. It was a military airstrip that fell into disuse for aviation purposes, likely gradually between the late 1990s and early 2000s. An exact, official closure date is not publicly documented as it was an integrated part of a military base.
Military operational changes. The airstrip became redundant due to a shift in Hellenic Army doctrine, which increasingly favored helicopters (like the UH-1 and AH-64) over light fixed-wing aircraft for observation, liaison, and support roles. The need for a dedicated runway at this specific ground forces training center diminished, leading to its repurposing for ground vehicle training.
The site is part of the active and restricted Litochoro military base. The paved runway is still clearly visible but is no longer maintained for aviation. It is now used as a road and a maneuvering/staging area for armored vehicles (tanks, APCs) from the Armored Training Center during training exercises. The entire area is a restricted military zone.
The airstrip's significance is purely military. It was built to support the Hellenic Army's Armored Training Center (Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Τεθωρακισμένων - ΚΕΤΘ) and the adjacent Litochoro Firing Range, a major live-fire training area. Its operations would have consisted of flights by Hellenic Army Aviation (Αεροπορία Στρατού) using light observation and liaison aircraft (e.g., Cessna L-19 Bird Dog). Its purpose was to facilitate command and control, artillery spotting, observation of large-scale military exercises, and VIP transport for high-ranking officers visiting the base.
There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airstrip for any type of aviation. Its location within a critical, active military training and live-fire zone makes any civilian use impossible for security and safety reasons. The Hellenic Army has not indicated any plans to reactivate it for fixed-wing aircraft.