Keent Aerodrome

The closure of the modern ultralight field (NL-0049) was due to the private operator ceasing activities, which led to the withdrawal of the official operating permit by the Dutch authorities (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport). It was not closed due to an accident or major economic failure, but rather the conclusion of a private aviation venture.

The site is currently agricultural land, located within a bend of the Meuse river and part of the 'Maashorst' nature and recreation area. While the formal airfield infrastructure is gone, the faint outline of the former grass runway can sometimes be discerned in satellite imagery. A prominent monument stands at the entrance to the site, dedicated to the memory of Airfield B-82 and the Allied airmen and soldiers who served there during WWII. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists, many of whom visit the monument.

The site holds significant historical importance as the location of Advanced Landing Ground B-82 'Grave', also known as Airfield Keent. It was a temporary frontline airfield constructed with incredible speed by the Royal Engineers of the British 51st (Highland) Division in September 1944, during the latter stages of Operation Market Garden. Its primary purpose was to support the Allied push into the Netherlands and Germany.

Operations when active (WWII, Sep 1944 - Apr 1945):
- It served as a base for the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force.
- Key units based here included No. 124 Wing, flying Hawker Typhoon fighter-bombers. Squadrons included No. 137, 181, 182, and 247.
- The airfield was crucial for close air support missions, attacking German armor, transport, and troop concentrations.
- It also played a vital role in logistics, with Douglas Dakota transport aircraft flying in essential supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers back to England.

After WWII, the land was returned to agricultural use. Decades later, a private grass airstrip for ultralight aircraft was established on the historic site, receiving the ICAO designation NL-0049 and continuing the location's aviation legacy on a small scale until its closure.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Keent Aerodrome. The land's designation as agricultural and nature reserve land, combined with local zoning regulations, makes the re-establishment of any aviation activity at this location highly improbable.