Maksatikha Airport

The airport's closure was a direct result of the economic collapse following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In the Soviet era, local and regional air travel was heavily subsidized by the state, making it affordable and accessible. After 1991, these subsidies vanished, and the new market economy could not support unprofitable routes to small towns like Maksatikha. The sharp decline in passenger demand and the inability of the newly independent air carriers to operate the routes profitably led to the closure of hundreds of similar small airfields across Russia.

The airport is completely abandoned and non-operational. All aviation infrastructure has been dismantled or has decayed beyond use. Satellite imagery shows a large, open field where the unpaved runway once was, with its outline now faint and overgrown. Any small terminal or service buildings that existed have either been removed or are in a state of ruin. The site is not used for any official purpose and has reverted to an empty plot of land.

During its operational years in the Soviet period, Maksatikha Airport was a vital component of the regional transportation infrastructure in the Tver Oblast (then Kalinin Oblast). It primarily served as a local hub connecting the town and surrounding rural areas with the regional capital, Tver (Kalinin). Operations were typical for small Soviet airfields, consisting mainly of:
1. **Passenger Transport:** Regular scheduled flights, almost exclusively operated by rugged Antonov An-2 biplanes, provided a fast connection to Tver for residents.
2. **Mail and Cargo:** It was a key point for the delivery of mail and essential light cargo.
3. **Agricultural Aviation:** The airport served as a base for An-2 aircraft involved in crop dusting and other agricultural tasks in the region.
4. **Medical Services:** It facilitated air ambulance and medical evacuation flights.
The airport was operated by the Kalinin United Air Detachment of Aeroflot, the state airline.

There are no known or credible plans to reopen Maksatikha Airport. The economic and demographic factors that led to its closure are still present. The cost of rebuilding the entire infrastructure from scratch (runway, terminal, navigation aids) would be substantial, and there is insufficient demand for air travel to and from Maksatikha to justify such an investment. The region is adequately served by road and rail for its current transportation needs.