Dubrava–Istog

Validation date: 18 02 2021
Updated on: Never
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42°46'11.5"N 20°32'27.8"E

Runway: 18-36 - 980x30m - Grass

Dubrava airfield was an airfield located 50km north/west of Pristina.
The airfield was constructed primarily for the former socialist state-owned agricultural company Agro-Kosova in the late 70s and early 80s. It was one of 12 such airfields, all sharing common features like their runway dimensions, having a length of approximately 450m and width of 18m.
In 1987, the Yugoslav authorities at the time approved the plan to extend and expand all these airfields, resizing them to 600 meters in length and 21 meters width. This plan also provided infrastructural improvements. This plan was never implemented however.
The airfields were mainly used by Agro-Kosova for aerial agricultural application. These airfields were extended in such a way they would meet the needs of all regions in Kosovo.

During the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the aeronautical sector, especially general aviation, did not develop at all. All existing airfields in Kosovo degraded from the beginning of the 1990s. Even agricultural planes that were owned by the socialist-owned enterprise Agro-Kosova were taken to Serbia during the withdrawal of Serbian regime from Kosovo in 1999.
After the war, the main priority of the international presence in Kosovo, which was responsible for the Kosovo airspace, was the functioning of commercial aviation and operation of Prishtina International Airport, leaving next to no effort on other airfields.

Dubrava airfield ground is of grass. Due to lack of maintenance and high grass (up to 50 centimeters tall) it is difficult to evaluate the surface characteristics, but in some parts it is noted that the surface is not flat. On the west side along the runway there is a secondary road.
From runway starting point, the first 100 meters of the southern part are surrounded by fence. The northern part looks like it is sloped and narrow. Access to the airfield is easy because it is situated near the transit road.

2021 - Aerial view (Google Earth)

This airfield, in its current situation, could become functional through a small investment.
Airspace in which the airfield is situated is very suitable for general aviation activities. Also, easy access to the airfield makes it very attractive for agricultural application flights, etc.

 

Information mainly from Civil Aviation Autority of Kosovo

(Research by Olivier)