Vis Airfield

The primary closure reason was the end of World War II in Europe (May 1945), which eliminated the strategic need for it as a forward Allied airbase. Following the war, the island of Vis became a heavily fortified, closed military zone for the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). The airfield was maintained as an auxiliary military strip but saw little use. It was fully abandoned and demilitarized when the JNA left the island in May 1992 following Croatia's independence.

The site is no longer an operational airfield. The original runway area is now primarily used for agriculture, with extensive vineyards covering the field. The outline of the runway is still vaguely visible from the air. The location has become a historical tourist attraction. A monument dedicated to the Allied airmen who served and died there has been erected on the site, and it is a point of interest on WWII-themed tours of the island. The field is a large, open space occasionally used for local events.

Vis Airfield holds immense historical significance from World War II. It was constructed in early 1944 by a combined force of British Royal Engineers, the Royal Air Force (RAF), and Yugoslav Partisans. Its location made it the closest Allied airfield to the heart of the conflict in Central and Eastern Europe. Its primary roles were:

1. **Forward Operating Base:** It served as a base for Allied fighter aircraft, primarily RAF Spitfires and P-51 Mustangs of the USAAF. These fighters provided crucial escort for long-range bombing missions over Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the Balkans, significantly reducing bomber losses.

2. **Emergency Landing Strip:** It was a vital haven for damaged Allied bombers (B-17s and B-24s) returning from raids. Unable to make it back to their main bases in Italy, thousands of airmen's lives were saved by landing at Vis. Over 400 Allied bombers made emergency landings here.

3. **Balkan Air Force Hub:** The airfield was a key component of the Balkan Air Force, a combined Allied air command that supported Marshal Tito's Partisans in liberating Yugoslavia. It hosted several squadrons, including the notable No. 352 (Yugoslav) Squadron of the RAF, which was the first Partisan air unit.

There are currently no concrete or funded plans to reopen Vis Airfield as a certified airport. Over the years, there have been sporadic discussions and proposals by local authorities and private investors to build a small, modern airport on Vis to boost tourism by allowing small commercial and private aircraft. However, these proposals have consistently faced significant obstacles, including:

- **High Costs:** The expense of building a modern airport compliant with safety regulations is substantial.
- **Environmental Concerns:** Strong opposition from environmental groups and locals who fear that an airport would lead to over-tourism and destroy the island's unique, preserved natural character.
- **Historical Preservation:** Concerns about developing a site of such significant WWII historical importance.

As of now, the prospects for reopening are considered very low due to these financial, environmental, and social challenges.