Constanța Palazu Mare Seaplane Base

The primary reason for the base's closure was the global decline in the military use of seaplanes. Following World War II, the development of long-range, land-based maritime patrol aircraft and the introduction of helicopters made dedicated seaplane fleets and their specialized bases obsolete. The Romanian Air Force, under the influence of Soviet doctrine and equipment during the Cold War, restructured its forces and shifted focus away from seaplane operations, leading to the disbandment of its hydro-aviation units.

The site of the former seaplane base is no longer used for any aviation activities. It is currently occupied by the 'Baza Nautică Siutghiol' (Siutghiol Nautical Base), a facility belonging to the Army Sports Club Steaua (CSA Steaua București) and managed by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. The location has been repurposed into a modern training and recreational center for water sports, including sailing, kayaking, and rowing. While some of the original layout and possibly repurposed hangar structures might remain, the site is now primarily a marina and sports complex.

The Constanța Palazu Mare Seaplane Base, known locally as 'Hidrobaza Palazu Mare', was a historically significant military installation for the Royal Romanian Naval Aviation ('Aeronautica Regală Română') before and during World War II. Located on the sheltered shores of Lake Siutghiol with easy access to the Black Sea, it was the main seaplane base in the country. It housed key seaplane squadrons, such as Escadrila 101 and Escadrila 102. These units operated a variety of aircraft, including German-made Heinkel He 114 and Arado Ar 196, and Italian Savoia-Marchetti S.62bis aircraft. The base's primary role was to support naval operations in the Black Sea through reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and search and rescue missions. It was a critical component of Romania's coastal defense and maritime power projection during the war.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the site as a seaplane base. The area surrounding Lake Siutghiol has become heavily developed with residential and tourist facilities. Re-establishing aviation operations would face significant logistical, environmental, and regulatory hurdles, as well as opposition due to noise and conflict with the current recreational use of the lake. The site's current function as a military sports base appears stable and long-term. Therefore, the prospect of it returning to its original aviation purpose is considered extremely unlikely.