Selizharovo Airfield

Primarily economic reasons. In the Soviet era, the airfield was part of the state-subsidized local air network (Местные воздушные линии - МВЛ). After the fall of the USSR, federal funding was cut, leading to soaring operational costs (especially for fuel) and a sharp decline in passenger demand. The routes became economically unsustainable, forcing the closure of Selizharovo and hundreds of similar small airfields across Russia.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of severe disrepair. Satellite imagery confirms a single asphalt runway, approximately 1300 meters in length, which is heavily cracked, weathered, and overgrown with grass and weeds. Any associated infrastructure, such as a terminal building or hangars, has been dismantled or has crumbled into ruins. The site is not maintained and shows no signs of any aviation-related activity. It is reportedly used unofficially by locals for activities such as driving practice or informal car races.

Selizharovo Airfield was a standard Soviet-era regional civil airport. Its primary purpose was to connect the town of Selizharovo and surrounding rural areas with the regional capital, Tver (known as Kalinin during the Soviet period), and potentially other district centers. It handled passenger flights, mail delivery, and light cargo transport. Operations were typically carried out by aircraft suited for short, unpaved or minimally prepared runways, such as the Antonov An-2 biplane, and possibly later the Let L-410 Turbolet. The airfield was a vital link in the local transportation infrastructure before the significant improvement of the road network. Its former Soviet ICAO-style identifier was UUSL (УУСЛ).

There are no known official plans, discussions, or prospects for reopening Selizharovo Airfield. The cost of restoring the runway, constructing new buildings, and installing modern navigation and safety equipment would be prohibitively expensive. Given the area's small population and the existence of adequate ground transportation to Tver, there is no economic or strategic justification for its revival. The airfield is considered permanently closed.