Dolneni Airport

The closure was for economic reasons. Dolneni Airport was primarily an agricultural airfield, part of a state-supported network during the era of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. With the transition to a market economy in the newly independent Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia), the large-scale, state-run agricultural aviation model became financially unsustainable. The need for such a dedicated facility diminished, leading to its disuse and eventual abandonment.

The site is currently abandoned and derelict. The single asphalt runway remains visible but is in a state of severe disrepair, with numerous cracks, potholes, and significant vegetation growth. It is completely unsuitable for any aviation activity. There are no remaining buildings or infrastructure on the site. The surrounding area continues to be used for agriculture. The abandoned runway is sometimes used for unauthorized, informal activities such as local car races and driver training.

Dolneni Airport's historical significance is tied to the agricultural development of the Pelagonia Plain, a major breadbasket region. Built during the Yugoslav era, its sole purpose was to serve as a base for agricultural aircraft. Operations included crop dusting, aerial seeding, and pest control, which were vital for maximizing crop yields in the state-managed agricultural sector. The airfield typically handled rugged utility aircraft designed for short, unprepared runways, such as the Antonov An-2 or similar models. It was a functional, rather than a public, facility and never handled passenger or significant cargo traffic.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening Dolneni Airport. While there have been occasional political discussions about building a new cargo or passenger airport to serve the wider Pelagonia region (including the nearby city of Prilep), these proposals have not involved the renovation of the old Dolneni site. The extensive cost required to completely rebuild the runway and establish modern infrastructure makes its revival for any official aviation purpose highly improbable.