Lamia Air Base

The closure resulted from a combination of factors:
1. **Military Decommissioning:** The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) no longer required the base for its strategic needs and consolidated its forces at larger, more modern facilities.
2. **Economic & Infrastructure Issues:** The airport's infrastructure was outdated. Its runway was too short (approx. 1,200 meters) and not built to support modern commercial or large military transport aircraft. The cost to upgrade it to modern standards was deemed economically unviable.
3. **Lack of Commercial Demand:** There was no significant demand for scheduled passenger or cargo flights to Lamia that would justify the massive investment needed for an upgrade, especially with the larger Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL) serving the wider region.

The site is no longer an airport and its aviation infrastructure is not maintained. The former runway and apron areas have been repurposed and are now actively used as a multi-purpose venue. Its primary uses include:
- **Motorsport Venue:** It is a popular location for sanctioned drag racing, drifting, and motorcycle racing events.
- **Driver Training Center:** The long, open pavement is used for advanced driver and rider training.
- **Public Events:** The space is frequently used to host large public gatherings, trade fairs, concerts, and festivals. The site is often referred to locally as 'Pedion Areos Lamias' (Field of Mars of Lamia).

The airfield has significant historical importance dating back to World War II.
- **WWII Era:** After the German invasion of Greece in 1941, the airfield was heavily used by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). It served as a forward operating base for various units, including bomber groups (like KG 26) and fighter groups (like JG 77), supporting operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
- **Post-War Era:** After the war, it was taken over by the Hellenic Air Force and served as a military air base for several decades.
- **Civilian Use:** Alongside its military function, the airport was the home of the Lamia Aeroclub (Αερολέσχη Λαμίας), which used it extensively for general aviation, pilot training, and gliding activities. It never hosted scheduled commercial passenger services.

Prospects for reopening the site as a certified airport are extremely low. While local politicians and business groups have occasionally raised the idea of redeveloping it for aviation (primarily for tourism or cargo), there are no concrete, funded plans to do so. The significant obstacles include the prohibitive cost of a complete rebuild to meet modern safety and operational standards, the conflict with its current popular use as a motorsport and event venue, and the lack of a compelling business case given the proximity of other regional airports.