Okulovka Airport

Primarily economic reasons. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the dismantling of the state-subsidized regional air transport system (known as Local Air Lines or MVL). The new economic reality made these short-haul routes unprofitable due to soaring fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and a sharp decline in passenger demand as the local population could no longer afford the fares. There was no military conversion or major accident that led to the closure.

The airport is completely abandoned for aviation purposes. The single paved runway is still clearly visible from satellite imagery but is in a state of disrepair, with cracks and vegetation growth. The site has been repurposed informally by the local community. It is now widely used as an 'autodrom' for driving practice, amateur car racing, drifting events, and other automotive-related gatherings. The former terminal building and any support structures are derelict and decaying.

The Okulovka airport was a typical small regional airfield within the vast Aeroflot network of the Soviet era. Its primary role was to provide local connectivity, linking the town of Okulovka with the regional administrative center, Novgorod, and potentially other nearby towns. Operations were mainly handled by small, versatile aircraft, most notably the Antonov An-2. These flights were crucial for transporting passengers, mail, light cargo, and for providing essential services like medical evacuation (sanitary aviation) and agricultural support (crop dusting). For decades, it was a vital transportation hub for a relatively remote area.

There are no known plans or realistic prospects for reopening Okulovka Airport. The economic model that supported it no longer exists, and the demand for such short-haul air travel has been replaced by improved road and rail transport. The infrastructure would require a complete and costly reconstruction, which cannot be justified economically for a town of its size. The current use of the site as a local venue for car events further indicates a lack of any official interest in reviving its aviation functions.