Dubrovitsy Airfield

Urban and infrastructure development. The primary reason for the closure was the planned construction of the 'Southern Bypass of Podolsk' (Южный обход Подольска), a major highway that was built directly across the main runway. The rapid expansion of the city of Podolsk with new residential complexes also encroached on the airfield's territory, making its continued operation unsafe and impractical. The land was repurposed for city infrastructure.

The airfield is permanently closed and no longer exists in an operational capacity. The Southern Bypass of Podolsk highway now cuts directly through the middle of the former runway. The surrounding land has been extensively redeveloped with large residential housing complexes (such as the 'Kutuzovo' and 'Rodniki' microdistricts) and other urban infrastructure. While some remnant structures or paved areas might be visible on the periphery, the site is fundamentally a developed suburban area.

Dubrovitsy Airfield was a site of major historical importance for Soviet and Russian aviation sports and military training. Its primary roles were:

1. **Parachuting Center:** It was the home base for the Central Aviation and Parachute Club of DOSAAF (later ROSTO), named after the famous pilot V.P. Chkalov. It was one of the largest and most important centers for parachute jumping in the entire USSR and later Russia. Numerous Soviet, Russian, and World parachute records were set here.

2. **Military Training:** The airfield was actively used by the VDV (Russian Airborne Troops) for parachute training. Notably, it was a key training ground for the elite 45th Guards Independent Reconnaissance Regiment (now a brigade) of the VDV.

3. **Competitions and Testing:** It regularly hosted national and international parachuting competitions, including World Championships. It was also a primary site for testing and certifying new parachute systems for both sports and military use.

4. **General Aviation:** The airfield supported general aviation activities, including flight training and recreational flying, through the Chkalov Aeroclub.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The construction of a major highway across the runway and the massive residential and commercial development on the former airfield grounds have made its restoration as an aviation facility physically impossible.