Kapino Polje Airport

Kapino Polje Airport
Aerodrom Kapino polje
Аеродром Капино поље
Summary
Location Nikšić
Elevation AMSL 2,026 ft / 617 m
Coordinates 42°46′27.55″N 18°54′54.42″E / 42.7743194°N 18.9151167°E / 42.7743194; 18.9151167Coordinates: 42°46′27.55″N 18°54′54.42″E / 42.7743194°N 18.9151167°E / 42.7743194; 18.9151167
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
15/33 4,750 1,450 Asphalt

Nikšić Airport (Montenegrin: Аеродром Капино поље, Aerodrom Kapino polje) (ICAO: LYNK) is a sport airport located near Nikšić, Montenegro.


History

The airport was built as a small airstrip with one grass runway during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. On 14 April 1941, King Peter II of Yugoslavia used the airfield to leave the country, escaping the Axis powers invasion.[1] In Sept 1948, it was used as a stop for transfer of first 6 Spitfires from Czechoslovakia to Israel, thus playing a small role in 1948 Arab–Israeli War.[2] During the SFRY era, the airport was a notable parachuting training center.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia, the airport fell into disuse, serving mostly as a glider airstrip for enthusiasts in the local aviation club. The airport was chosen to be a host of 2010 FAI World Parachuting Championships,[3] and its runway was asphalted, with length increased to 1,450m. With this latest upgrade, it is expected that the airport receives status of an international airport, so it can cater to the needs of general aviation.

Passenger airport

Currently there is no passenger terminal and no scheduled air traffic at the Niksic airport. This is the second largest municipality in Montenegro, it could have a working passenger airport. Construction of the airport Kapino Polje in Niksic is in progress. Local authorities expect to finish construction of the control tower and administration building soon. They hope that they will find a suitable partner and equip the airport for traffic in close future.

References

  1. ↑ Drama na Kapinom Polju (Montenegrin Only)
  2. ↑ Montenegro air base that played role in Israel's birth under threat
  3. ↑ World Parachuting Championships 2010
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