Ypenburg Airbase

The closure was a direct result of military budget cuts and strategic reorganization following the end of the Cold War. The Royal Netherlands Air Force consolidated its operations at other bases, and the strategic need for an active airbase so close to the urban center of The Hague was deemed unnecessary. The valuable land was subsequently designated for large-scale urban development to address a housing shortage in the region.

The former airbase has been completely redeveloped into a large, modern residential district of The Hague, which is also named Ypenburg. The development project began in the late 1990s. While the runways and most military buildings are gone, several historical elements have been preserved and integrated into the new neighborhood:

- **Former Terminal Building**: The distinctive former main terminal and control tower building has been preserved and is now part of the Grotius College school complex.
- **Runway Layout**: The layout of some main roads in the district, such as the 'Laan van Ypenburg', follows the path of the former main runway.
- **Memorial**: A prominent monument, the 'Monument Grenadiers en Jagers', stands near the original site to commemorate the Dutch soldiers who died defending the airbase in May 1940.

Ypenburg has a rich and significant history.

1. **Civilian Origins**: It was first opened in 1936 as a civilian sports and recreational airfield.

2. **World War II - The Battle for The Hague**: Ypenburg is most famous for its role on May 10, 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands. It was a primary target for German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers) in an attempt to quickly capture the airfield and advance into The Hague to seize the Dutch Royal Family and government. Despite the surprise attack, Dutch forces mounted a fierce and unexpectedly successful counter-attack, recapturing the airfield from the Germans by the end of the day. Although the Netherlands fell days later, the defense of Ypenburg is a significant event in Dutch military history and one of the first instances of a major airborne assault being repelled.

3. **Post-War Military Use**: After the war, the airfield was rebuilt and became a major airbase for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). Due to its proximity to the seat of government in The Hague, it served as a primary base for transport aircraft and VIP flights, including for the Dutch Royal House and government officials. It also hosted numerous airshows and was a well-known public-facing military installation.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Ypenburg Airbase. The site has been fully and permanently redeveloped into a densely populated residential area with thousands of homes, schools, and commercial properties. A return to aviation activities is physically and politically impossible.