Bilibino Airfield

Planned replacement and operational obsolescence. This original airfield, often referred to as 'Stary' (Old) Bilibino, had an unpaved runway and limited infrastructure. It was incapable of handling the larger, heavier aircraft (like the An-24 and Yak-40) required to support the fully operational Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant and the growing population of the town. A new, more capable airport was constructed to consolidate and modernize air services for the region.

The site is completely abandoned and inactive. Satellite imagery clearly shows the faint outline of the former dirt runway, which is now significantly degraded, overgrown, and crossed by vehicle tracks. There are no remaining airport buildings or functional infrastructure. The land is unused for any formal purpose and is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding tundra environment.

This airfield was of critical importance during the 1960s and early 1970s. It served as the primary air logistics hub for the initial construction of the town of Bilibino and the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, the world's northernmost nuclear power station at the time. It was the lifeline that allowed for the transport of construction workers, engineers, essential supplies, and light equipment to this extremely remote Arctic location before modern infrastructure was in place. Operations were primarily conducted with smaller, rugged aircraft capable of using unpaved strips, such as the Antonov An-2, Lisunov Li-2, Ilyushin Il-14, and various helicopters.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening this airfield. The aviation needs of Bilibino and the surrounding area are adequately served by the active Bilibino Airport (UHNB). Given the existence of a superior, operational airport nearby and the ongoing decommissioning of the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, there is no economic or strategic justification to invest in the reconstruction and reopening of this obsolete airstrip.