Vranje Airfield

The closure was due to a combination of military restructuring and economic decline. Its primary purpose as a reserve military airfield ('ratni aerodrom') for the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) became obsolete after the country's breakup. Concurrently, the local aero club that used the field faced severe economic hardship and lack of funding, which was common for sport aviation organizations in Serbia during that period, leading to the cessation of its activities.

The site is currently abandoned and defunct as an airfield. The former grass or gravel runway is still identifiable in satellite imagery but is completely overgrown and unmaintained. The land is now primarily used for agriculture. The area immediately adjacent to the former airfield has been developed into the 'Free Zone Vranje', a major industrial park, effectively precluding any simple reactivation of the old runway.

Vranje Airfield, also known locally as Davidovac Airfield, was primarily a reserve military airfield. It was not a major airbase with permanently stationed squadrons but served as a dispersal field intended for use in case of war. In addition to its military role, the airfield was a significant center for local civil aviation. It was home to the Aero-klub 'Naša Krila' Vranje, which conducted sport flying, gliding, and parachuting activities, playing a key role in regional aviation training and recreation.

There have been intermittent discussions and proposals by the Serbian government and the City of Vranje to construct a new, small airport for civilian use (Category C3 or C4) in the vicinity, often mentioning the site of the old airfield. The objective would be to serve business flights for the nearby industrial zone and general aviation. However, as of late 2023, these plans remain speculative and in the early stages of consideration. There is no active project, secured funding, or official timeline for the construction or reopening of an airport in Vranje.