Tortorella Airfield

The original WWII airfield was closed because its military purpose had ended. It was a temporary, wartime installation built for a specific mission and was not intended for permanent, post-war use. The subsequent closure of the smaller general aviation field was likely due to economic non-viability, lack of use, or failure to meet regulatory standards.

The site of the former airfield has been completely returned to agricultural land. The area is now comprised of cultivated fields, vineyards, and olive groves. There is no remaining aviation infrastructure such as hangars, control towers, or paved surfaces. However, the faint 'ghost' outlines of the main runway and some taxiways are still clearly visible in satellite and aerial imagery due to soil compaction and differences in vegetation, serving as a testament to its past use.

Tortorella Airfield was a significant component of the Foggia Airfield Complex, a massive network of Allied air bases in southern Italy during World War II. Constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers around September 1943, it was a temporary heavy bomber airfield. Its primary user was the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Fifteenth Air Force. Specifically, Tortorella was the home base for the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its four squadrons (340th, 341st, 342nd, and 414th), which flew B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. From this base, the 97th BG conducted long-range strategic bombing missions against critical enemy targets in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania (including the Ploiești oil fields), and the Balkans between January 1944 and October 1945. The airfield played a crucial role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign to cripple the Axis war machine.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Tortorella Airfield in any capacity. The land is privately owned and fully integrated into the region's agricultural economy. Given the existence of other active airports in the region, including Foggia 'Gino Lisa' Airport (IATA: FOG, ICAO: LIBF), the reopening of Tortorella is considered highly improbable.