Lyubimtsevo Airfield

Economic reasons. The airfield was operated by the Soviet paramilitary sports organization DOSAAF (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy). Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, state funding for DOSAAF was drastically reduced or eliminated. Like many similar small airfields across Russia, Lyubimtsevo could no longer be maintained and was subsequently abandoned due to a lack of funds.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. Satellite imagery and local reports confirm that the former grass runway is heavily overgrown with grass, shrubs, and young trees, making it unusable. The associated infrastructure, including any administrative buildings, hangars, or control points, are derelict, crumbling, or have been completely dismantled. The site is not used for any purpose and is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest and fields.

Lyubimtsevo Airfield was a typical Soviet-era DOSAAF facility primarily used for civilian paramilitary training. Its main operational purpose was serving as a base for the local Pereslavl aviation sports club, focusing on parachute training. Operations were centered around aircraft like the Antonov An-2, which was used to take parachutists to altitude for jumps. The airfield played a significant role in the local community by providing aviation-related sports and pre-conscription training during the Soviet period.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Lyubimtsevo Airfield. The cost of clearing the land, rebuilding the runway, and constructing new facilities would be substantial. Given its complete state of disrepair and the existence of other active small airfields in the region, there is no economic or strategic incentive for its revival. The site is considered permanently closed and lost to aviation.