Torre S. Emiliano Airfield

The primary reason for closure was regulatory and safety-related. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) conducted inspections and found that the airfield was not compliant with mandatory safety regulations and operational standards for an 'aviosuperficie' (a type of airfield for ultralight and general aviation). The operator failed to rectify the identified deficiencies, leading ENAC to revoke its operational certificate and order its permanent closure.

The site is currently abandoned and in a state of disuse. Satellite imagery confirms that the single runway is still clearly visible but is unmaintained, heavily overgrown with grass and weeds, and completely unsuitable for any aviation activity. The associated buildings, likely a small hangar and a clubhouse, appear to be derelict. The land is not being used for any other significant purpose and is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding natural landscape.

Torre S. Emiliano was a private 'aviosuperficie' that served as a vital hub for recreational and general aviation in the Salento peninsula, one of Italy's most popular tourist areas. Its operations primarily included:
- **Recreational Flying:** It was home to local flying clubs and private pilots who used it for leisure flights along the stunning Adriatic coastline.
- **Ultralight Aircraft (VDS):** It was particularly important for the 'Volo da Diporto o Sportivo' (VDS) community, which is the Italian designation for sport and recreational ultralight flying.
- **Air Tourism:** The airfield provided direct access for tourists arriving in small private aircraft to visit Otranto and the surrounding Salento region, thus contributing to local tourism.
- **Flight Training:** Basic flight instruction and training activities were also conducted from the airfield.
It was never a commercial airport with scheduled flights (hence no IATA code) but was significant for the private aviation sector in Southern Italy.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the Torre S. Emiliano Airfield. The significant costs required to bring the facility up to current, stringent ENAC safety and infrastructure standards are a major barrier. Furthermore, obtaining the necessary permits and certifications after a mandatory closure is a complex and lengthy process. While there may be occasional discussions within the local aviation community about the desire to see it revived, no concrete projects or political initiatives are currently underway. For the foreseeable future, the airfield is considered permanently closed.