Paustovo Airfield

Primarily economic reasons following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The centralized, state-subsidized system of local air services (Mestnye Vozdushnye Linii - MVL) operated by Aeroflot was dismantled. Without state funding, small regional airports like Paustovo became financially unsustainable for the new, smaller airlines. The simultaneous improvement and increased use of road transportation further reduced the demand for short-haul flights.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of severe decay. The single paved runway, approximately 1200 meters in length, remains visible but is heavily cracked, weathered, and partially overgrown with grass and shrubs. The apron, taxiways, and airport buildings, including what was likely a small terminal and service structures, are in ruins. The site is not maintained or secured and is sometimes visited by locals, urban explorers, and aviation history enthusiasts. It has no official current use.

Paustovo Airfield was a civil airport serving local and regional routes during the Soviet era. It was part of the Vladimir United Air Detachment. Its primary function was to connect the nearby town of Vyazniki and surrounding rural communities with the regional capital, Vladimir, and other towns in the oblast. The airfield primarily handled passenger and cargo flights, operating small utility aircraft typical for such routes, most notably the Antonov An-2 biplane and possibly the Let L-410 Turbolet. It was a vital transportation link for the local population in an era when long-distance road travel was less common and convenient.

There are no known plans, discussions, or prospects for reopening Paustovo Airfield. The infrastructure is beyond repair and would require a complete and costly reconstruction. The original demand for such a local air service no longer exists, as the region is adequately served by the modern road network. The airfield is considered permanently closed and is expected to continue its natural decay.