Heesch Airfield B.88

The closure was not due to economic reasons or an accident, but rather a political and legal decision. The operating permit for the ultralight airfield was revoked by the local municipality (Bernheze) following years of legal challenges and complaints from local residents regarding noise pollution and environmental impact. The final decision by the Council of State upheld the municipality's right to withdraw the permit, leading to the permanent cessation of flight operations.

The site is no longer an active airfield and has been repurposed. A significant portion of the former airfield grounds is now occupied by 'Zonnepark De Grassen', a large-scale solar farm that generates renewable energy. The remaining land has largely returned to agricultural use. A memorial, dedicated to the Royal Canadian Air Force personnel who served at B.88 during WWII, stands near the site as a reminder of its historical importance.

The airfield has a two-phased history:

1. **World War II (1944-1945):** Its primary significance comes from its use as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) during WWII. Designated B.88, it was constructed by the British Royal Engineers in September-October 1944, immediately after the area's liberation during Operation Market Garden. It was a temporary, frontline airfield with a single runway made of Prefabricated Bituminous Surfacing (PBS). It served as a crucial base for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Second Tactical Air Forces. Notably, it hosted Spitfire squadrons (such as No. 127 Wing RCAF, comprising 403, 416, and 443 Squadrons) that flew fighter sweeps, ground-attack missions, and bomber escort duties to support the Allied advance into Germany. The airfield was abandoned by the military after the end of the war in Europe in mid-1945.

2. **Civilian Ultralight Airfield (late 20th Century - 2015):** In the latter half of the 20th century, a portion of the former military site was reactivated as a private grass airfield for ultralight (ULM/MLA) aircraft. It was during this period that it received the ICAO national identifier NL-0063 and was operated by a local flying club. It was a popular location for recreational flying in the region before its eventual closure.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. The permanent repurposing of the land for the Zonnepark De Grassen solar farm, combined with the strong local opposition that led to the 2015 closure, makes any future aviation-related development extremely unlikely. The site's use for aviation is considered permanently concluded.