Kluczewo Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. Following the political changes in Poland in 1989, an agreement was reached for the withdrawal of all Soviet (later Russian) military forces from Polish territory. As Kluczewo was a major base for the Soviet Union's Northern Group of Forces, its military purpose ceased with their departure. It was not transferred to the Polish Air Force and was instead demilitarized.

The site has been completely transformed and no longer functions as an airport. After its demilitarization, the vast area was redeveloped into the **Stargard Industrial Park (Stargardzki Park Przemysłowy)**. The former main runway and taxiways have been converted into the main roads and infrastructure for the park. Many of the original military structures, including hangars and barracks, were demolished to make way for modern industrial facilities. The park is now a major economic zone for the region, hosting large manufacturing plants for international corporations such as Bridgestone (tires), Cargotec (Hiab and Kalmar brands), and numerous other logistics and production companies. The site is a prime example of successful post-military brownfield regeneration.

Kluczewo Air Base has a significant dual-era history.

1. **German Era (1935-1945):** Originally constructed by the Luftwaffe in the mid-1930s as 'Fliegerhorst Klützow'. It was a key German air base before and during World War II. It hosted various bomber (Kampfgeschwader) and fighter (Jagdgeschwader) units and played a role in the 1939 invasion of Poland and later in the air defense of Germany.

2. **Soviet Era (1945-1992):** After WWII, the base was taken over by the Soviet Air Force and became one of the most strategically important Soviet airfields in the Warsaw Pact. It was home to the 239th Fighter Aviation Division. Over the decades, it hosted numerous fighter and fighter-bomber regiments flying aircraft such as the MiG-17, MiG-21, and Su-7. In its final years, it was most notable for being one of the first bases outside the USSR to host the elite Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker' air superiority fighters, operated by the 159th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. This made Kluczewo a high-value target and a critical component of Soviet air power in Central Europe.

There are currently no realistic prospects for reopening Kluczewo as an airport. While there have been occasional discussions and proposals in the past to reactivate a portion of the site for general aviation or cargo flights, these plans have never materialized. The primary obstacles include:
1. **Advanced Industrial Development:** The site is now a thriving and well-established industrial park, and its economic value in its current state is immense. Reverting any part of it to aviation use would be economically and logistically disruptive.
2. **Lack of Infrastructure:** The original aviation infrastructure, including the runway surface, navigation aids, and terminal facilities, has been either removed, repurposed, or has fallen into disrepair. Rebuilding it to modern standards would require massive investment.
3. **Proximity to an Existing Airport:** The region is adequately served by Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ), located approximately 35 km away, which handles passenger, general aviation, and cargo traffic. There is no demonstrated market need for a second major airport in such close proximity.