Koszalin Zegrze Pomorskie Airfield

The closure was a result of two distinct phases. First, the military closure was due to the restructuring of the Polish Armed Forces after the end of the Cold War, which led to the disbandment of the 9th Fighter Regiment stationed there. Second, the failure of the civilian airport project was primarily due to economic reasons. The company tasked with converting the military base into a passenger airport failed to secure sufficient funding for the extensive infrastructure upgrades required (runway renovation, terminal construction, navigation aids) and was unable to attract airlines to establish regular routes. The project was deemed financially unviable, leading to the company's insolvency and the abandonment of the plan.

The site is largely derelict but sees limited activity. The main runway and taxiways are in a state of significant disrepair. However, a portion of the airfield has been registered as a private airstrip (lądowisko) with the designation 'Koszalin-Zegrze Pomorskie' and the ICAO code PL-0217, which is used by general aviation, ultralight aircraft, and private pilots. The vast paved surfaces are frequently used for automotive events, including drag racing, car shows, and driver training courses. Some of the hangars and buildings are used for industrial or storage purposes by private companies. The site is not secured as an active airport and is largely accessible.

The airfield has significant military history. It was originally built by the German Luftwaffe during World War II and known as Fliegerhorst Körlin. After the war, it was taken over by the Polish Air Force and became a major frontline airbase during the Cold War. Its official ICAO code during its operational period was EPKZ. For decades, it was home to various Polish fighter regiments, most notably the 26th and later the 9th Fighter Regiment ('9 Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwskiego'). These units operated a succession of jet fighters, including the MiG-15, MiG-17, and MiG-21. It was a key element in the air defense of Poland's northern coast. After the military drawdown, its historical significance shifted to being a prominent example of a failed post-military airport conversion project in Poland.

There are currently no concrete, funded plans to reopen the airfield as a commercial passenger airport. The topic is occasionally revived by local politicians and business groups as a potential driver for regional tourism and economic development. However, the obstacles remain substantial and have grown over time. The cost of bringing the heavily degraded infrastructure up to modern civilian aviation standards would be immense, likely far greater than the initial estimates in the 2000s. Furthermore, the business case remains weak due to the established and well-connected airports in Szczecin (Szczecin-Goleniów Airport, SZZ) and Gdańsk (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, GDN), which serve the region. Therefore, the prospects for reopening for commercial traffic are considered very low to non-existent in the foreseeable future.