Magadan-47 Airport

Post-Soviet military downsizing and strategic realignment. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia underwent a massive restructuring of its armed forces. The perceived threat from US bombers over the Arctic diminished, and the high cost of maintaining remote Cold War-era bases became unsustainable. The air regiment stationed at the base was disbanded, and the airfield was subsequently abandoned as it had no civilian purpose.

The site is completely abandoned and derelict. Satellite imagery and explorer reports show a decaying concrete runway, crumbling taxiways, and empty, hardened aircraft shelters (revetments). The associated military town of Snezhnaya is a ghost town with decaying apartment blocks and administrative buildings. The entire complex is being slowly reclaimed by the harsh subarctic environment. It is a destination for local urban explorers and those interested in Cold War history, but it has no official function.

The airport, more accurately known as Snezhnaya Air Base (Аэродром Снежная), was a key forward operating base for the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) during the Cold War. Its primary mission was to protect the northeastern airspace of the USSR from intrusion by US strategic bombers (like the B-52) and reconnaissance aircraft (like the SR-71) flying polar routes. It was home to the 171st Fighter Aviation Regiment (171-й ИАП), which was equipped with Sukhoi Su-15TM 'Flagon' all-weather interceptors. The base was co-located with a closed military town known as Snezhnaya or Magadan-13, which housed the pilots, personnel, and their families. Its strategic location made it a critical first line of defense for the Soviet Far East.

Effectively zero. There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. The original strategic purpose for its existence is gone. The infrastructure is in a state of complete disrepair and would require a total reconstruction, which is economically and militarily unjustifiable. The modern aviation needs of the Magadan region are fully served by the main Magadan (Sokol) Airport (ICAO: UHMM).