Polignano Fly Airfield

No single official reason was publicly announced. The closure is widely believed to be the result of economic and regulatory factors, which is a common reason for the closure of small, privately-run airfields (aviosuperfici) in Italy. These factors typically include high operating and maintenance costs, difficulty in meeting increasingly strict aviation regulations, and the economic non-viability of a small member-based club.

The airfield is permanently closed and defunct. Satellite imagery confirms the site is now used for private industrial or agricultural purposes. The paved runway and taxiway are still visible but are in a significant state of disrepair, with faded markings and vegetation growth. Large sections of the runway are actively used for the open-air storage of construction materials, concrete blocks, and for parking vehicles. The former hangars and club buildings appear to be abandoned or repurposed for storage. The site is on private property and is not accessible.

The airfield's significance was primarily local, serving as a hub for the general aviation and ultralight (VDS - Volo da Diporto o Sportivo) community in the region south of Bari. It was the base for the 'A.S.D. Fly Club Polignano'. Operations consisted of recreational flying, flight training for ultralight aircraft, and social events for aviation enthusiasts. It featured a single paved runway (approximately 650 meters / 2130 feet) and basic facilities like hangars and a clubhouse, making it a valuable asset for local pilots.

There are no known official plans, petitions, or credible prospects for reopening the Polignano Fly Airfield. The significant degradation of the runway surface and the current use of the land for storage would require substantial investment to restore it to an operational and compliant state. Given the economic factors that likely led to its initial closure, a reopening is considered highly unlikely.