Area 51 San Pietro Vernotico Airfield

The exact official reason is not publicly documented, but evidence points towards economic and administrative issues. Small general aviation airfields (known as 'aviosuperficie' in Italy) often struggle with financial viability, high maintenance costs, declining membership in flying clubs, or issues with renewing operating licenses. There is no indication that it was closed due to a major accident or for military conversion.

The site is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. The asphalt runway, taxiways, and apron are still visible but are severely cracked, weathered, and being reclaimed by vegetation. The hangars and associated buildings are derelict. The land is not officially repurposed, but it is sometimes used for unauthorized activities like car drifting. A large photovoltaic solar farm has been constructed on the land immediately adjacent to the airfield, but not on the runway itself.

The airfield was a private general aviation facility, officially known as 'Aviosuperficie San Pietro Vernotico' and sometimes referred to as 'Campo di Volo Salento'. Its ICAO code, IT-0564, was a national identifier, not an official international ICAO code, signifying its status as a minor airfield. Its primary role was to support recreational flying, flight training, and ultralight aircraft for the local Salento community and the Aeroclub di Brindisi. The name 'Area 51' was an informal, local nickname, likely a humorous reference to its private and somewhat secluded nature, and not related to any military or secret operations.

There are no known or credible plans to reopen the airfield. The significant cost required to resurface the runway and refurbish the facilities, combined with the likely persistence of the economic factors that led to its closure, makes reopening highly improbable. Furthermore, the region is well-served by the nearby Brindisi Airport (LIBR), a major international and military airport located just 15 km to the north, which handles all commercial and most general aviation traffic for the area.