Popești-Leordeni Airfield

The primary reason for closure was economic and real estate development. Its proximity to Bucharest and the city's ring road made the land extremely valuable for industrial and logistics purposes. The land was sold to developers who saw greater financial potential in creating a logistics park than in maintaining a general aviation airfield, which served a relatively small community.

The site of the former airfield has been completely redeveloped and is now unrecognizable as an aviation facility. It is occupied by a large industrial and logistics hub, most notably the WDP Industrial Park Bucharest. The former runways, taxiways, and hangars have been demolished and replaced by massive warehouses and distribution centers for major companies, including e-commerce giants and logistics providers. The location is now a critical node for commerce and distribution in the region.

Popești-Leordeni Airfield had a two-phased history.

1. **Military Era (Cold War):** It was originally established as a military airbase, part of the extensive air defense network protecting Bucharest during the communist period. It housed fighter jet regiments, including aircraft like the MiG-15 and later variants, tasked with intercepting potential threats. It was a key component of the 16th Fighter Aviation Division.

2. **Civilian Era (Post-1989):** After the fall of communism and the restructuring of the Romanian military, the airfield's military importance diminished. It was decommissioned as a frontline airbase and transitioned to civilian use. It became a hub for general aviation, operated by the Romanian Airclub (Aeroclubul României). Operations included sport flying, pilot training, gliding, parachuting, and ultralight aircraft activities. It was a popular and important site for recreational aviation in the Bucharest area.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the Popești-Leordeni Airfield. The permanent and extensive industrial development on the site makes any return to aviation use impossible. The land has been irreversibly repurposed, and the original airfield infrastructure is completely gone.