Chilia Veche Aerodrome

Primarily due to economic reasons and systemic change. The aerodrome was part of a network supporting state-run agricultural aviation ('Aviația Utilitară'). With the collapse of the centralized, state-controlled agricultural system and the decline of the state-owned aviation enterprise that operated these services, the airfield lost its primary purpose and funding, leading to its abandonment.

The site is completely abandoned and non-operational. Satellite imagery confirms that the former grass runway is heavily overgrown and is now indistinguishable from the surrounding agricultural fields and natural grassland. There are no significant remaining airport buildings, hangars, or infrastructure. The land has reverted to nature and is likely used for grazing or lies fallow within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.

During the communist era, the Chilia Veche Aerodrome was a vital piece of local infrastructure. Its main purpose was to serve as a base for agricultural aircraft, most notably the Antonov An-2, for crop dusting and pest control over the vast farmlands in the Danube Delta. This was crucial for the productivity of the state-run collective farms. Given the isolated nature of Chilia Veche, which is primarily accessible by water, the aerodrome also likely served critical secondary functions for emergency medical transport (medevac), movement of officials, light cargo delivery, and possibly for border patrol surveillance, due to its strategic location on the border with the former Soviet Union (now Ukraine).

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the Chilia Veche Aerodrome. Several major obstacles make reopening highly unlikely:
1. **Environmental Protection:** The location is inside the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with strict environmental regulations. Any proposal for an airport would face immense scrutiny and likely be rejected to protect the unique ecosystem.
2. **Economic Viability:** There is no clear economic case for an airfield in this location. The local population is small, and tourism is focused on low-impact ecotourism, which would conflict with aviation noise and activity.
3. **Infrastructure Cost:** The aerodrome would need to be completely rebuilt from scratch, representing a significant investment for a very limited potential return.