Dobele Airstrip

Military withdrawal. The airfield was a Soviet Air Force base that was abandoned following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent withdrawal of Russian (formerly Soviet) troops from Latvia, which was completed by August 31, 1994. The base lost its strategic purpose and was handed over to Latvian authorities in a derelict state.

The site is abandoned and in a state of severe decay. The 2500-meter concrete runway and taxiways are still visible but are cracked, weathered, and overgrown with vegetation in many places. The military buildings, including hangars, barracks, and command posts, are derelict, heavily vandalized, and have been stripped of all valuable materials. The site is unofficially used for various activities, most notably motorsports. It is a popular location for legal and illegal drag racing, drifting events, and driver training due to the long, straight stretch of runway. The area is freely accessible to the public and is also used for agriculture on adjacent lands.

Dobele was a significant front-line Soviet Air Force (VVS) airbase during the Cold War, strategically located within the Baltic Military District. Its primary role was air defense. The base was home to the 54th Guards Kerch Red Banner Fighter Aviation Regiment (54 GvIAP). This regiment operated advanced fighter aircraft, including the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD 'Flogger-K' throughout the 1980s. In 1989, the unit was one of the first to be re-equipped with the formidable Mikoyan MiG-29 'Fulcrum' fighter jets. The base featured a long concrete runway, hardened aircraft shelters (revetments), and extensive support facilities, making it a key asset for Soviet air power in the region.

None. There are no known or credible plans to reopen Dobele Airstrip as a functional airport. The cost of restoring the runway, taxiways, and building modern aviation infrastructure would be prohibitive. Its original military purpose is obsolete in the current geopolitical context (Latvia is a NATO member), and there is no commercial or general aviation demand to justify its redevelopment. The site is expected to continue its slow decay or be repurposed for non-aviation uses like industrial parks or renewable energy projects in the future, although no firm plans are in place.