Maaldrift Airfield

Military action during World War II. The airfield was seized by German forces during the invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. Shortly after, the Germans rendered the grass field permanently unusable by digging extensive trenches and obstacles across it to prevent any potential Allied aircraft landings. The airfield was never restored or reopened for aviation purposes after the war.

The site of the former airfield has been completely redeveloped and is now known as 'Sportpark Maaldrift'. It is a large recreational area and sports complex serving the municipality of Wassenaar. The grounds are occupied by several sports clubs and facilities, including hockey fields for the hdm hockey club, soccer fields for the Blauw-Zwart RKSV football club, and other recreational spaces. There are no physical remnants of the original airfield.

Maaldrift Airfield was a private civilian airfield that operated for a very short period, from its opening in 1937 until the German invasion in 1940. It served as the home base for the 'Haagsche Luchtvaart Club' (Hague Aviation Club). Operations consisted primarily of sport aviation, including flight training, recreational flying with light aircraft (such as De Havilland Tiger Moths and Koolhoven F.K.43s), and gliding. Despite its brief existence, it was a notable pre-war hub for private aviation enthusiasts in the The Hague region.

None. There are no plans or prospects for reopening Maaldrift Airfield. The land has been fully and permanently repurposed as a vital community sports park and is surrounded by residential areas and protected dunes. Re-establishing an airfield at this location is not feasible from a zoning, environmental, or logistical standpoint.