Luga Bereg Airstrip

Primarily economic reasons. The airstrip was operated by the Soviet-era paramilitary sports organization DOSAAF. Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, state funding for DOSAAF and its numerous airfields was drastically cut. The local aviation club could no longer afford to maintain the infrastructure or operate the aircraft, leading to its gradual abandonment. This was a common fate for many small, local airfields across Russia.

The site is completely abandoned and in a state of decay. Satellite imagery confirms the paved runway and some taxiways are still visible but are severely cracked, overgrown with vegetation, and unusable for aviation. Any buildings, such as the control post or hangars, are either derelict or have been dismantled. The area is sometimes used by locals for unauthorized activities like driving practice or informal drag racing. The land is located adjacent to the large Luga military training ground (Лужский полигон) but is not actively used for any official purpose.

Luga Bereg was a typical DOSAAF training airfield. Its main purpose was to provide primary flight training for civilians (often as a pathway to military aviation) and to serve as a base for sport parachuting. The Luga Aviation Club (Лужский аэроклуб) was based here, operating light aircraft common for this role, such as the Yakovlev Yak-52 for pilot training and the Antonov An-2 for parachute jumps. It played a role in the Soviet system of mass military-patriotic and technical education.

There are no known plans or realistic prospects for reopening the Luga Bereg airstrip. The cost to restore the runway, taxiways, and build new infrastructure would be substantial. There is no significant economic or logistical demand for a general aviation airfield in this specific location that would justify the investment. Its proximity to an active military training area could also complicate any potential civilian use. The site is expected to continue its slow decay.