Biferno Airfield

The initial 1945 closure was due to the end of military hostilities, which made the temporary wartime base obsolete. The more recent closure of the ultralight field was due to economic redevelopment of the land, specifically for the construction of a large-scale solar power plant on the site.

The site is completely decommissioned as an aviation facility. The land has largely reverted to agricultural use. A significant portion of the former airfield, including the area of the main runway and taxiways, is now occupied by a large photovoltaic power plant (solar farm). While the faint, ghostly outlines of the massive WWII-era runway system are still visible in satellite imagery, no aviation infrastructure remains.

Biferno Airfield, more commonly known during WWII as Campomarino Airfield, was a major and strategically vital heavy bomber and fighter base for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). As part of the Foggia Airfield Complex, it was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shortly after the Allied invasion of Italy in late 1943. Its primary role was to support the strategic bombing campaign against Axis targets in Germany, Austria, the Balkans, and Northern Italy. Key units that operated from Campomarino included:
- **Twelfth Air Force:** Initially used for tactical bombers like the B-25 Mitchell (e.g., 340th Bombardment Group) supporting ground forces.
- **Fifteenth Air Force:** Became a major base for strategic bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress (e.g., 97th Bombardment Group) and long-range escort fighters such as the P-38 Lightning (1st Fighter Group) and P-51 Mustang (325th Fighter Group, the 'Checkertail Clan').
The airfield's location allowed Allied bombers to reach critical industrial and military targets that were previously out of range from bases in the UK. After the war, the temporary airfield was dismantled and the land was returned to the Italian government.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. The construction of the permanent solar farm on the former operational surfaces makes any future use for aviation purposes virtually impossible and economically unfeasible. The land has been permanently repurposed.