Back in 1968, the distance of about 140 km from Varna to Silistra and back could be traveled by plane. The first passenger flights were operated from a small runway near the Silistra village of Kalipetrovo using an An-14 ‘Pchelka’ aircraft. Its capacity was only 8 passengers, but it provided a convenient connection to Sofia at a time when Silistra did not even have railway transport.

The official opening of Silistra Airport, located in the lands of the village of Polkovnik Lambrinovo, is considered to be November 27, 1970 — 4 years before the opening of the Silistra railway station. On that day, the first passenger flight was carried out by an Il-14 aircraft, carrying 32 passengers from Sofia. Three years later, the machine was replaced by an An-24 with a capacity of 48 people. There were two daily flights — one in the morning and one in the evening.

Although it is classified in the “small airports” category, the airport boasts solid infrastructure. Its 2.5 km concrete runway allows it to serve medium-sized passenger and cargo aircraft. In addition to these, it also carries out cargo, agricultural, and even military flights.

The site had strategic importance and a classified status, as it featured equipment and areas intended for the deployment or storage of combat aircraft.

The sunset

Following the political and economic changes in Bulgaria at the end of 1989, domestic air routes in the country shrank drastically due to a lack of state subsidies and a spike in ticket prices. Flights to Silistra gradually became less frequent and eventually stopped. Almost three decades after its opening, the airport was officially closed by an order of the Minister of Transport on December 6, 1999.

For the next 20+ years, the site, spanning approximately 165 hectares, remained empty. The vast areas of concrete and asphalt, along with the former terminals and hangars, began to crumble. The site turned into a deserted industrial area, or a so-called “brownfield.” The lack of human activity was accompanied by a lack of natural life due to the soil being sealed with concrete.

The new role

Just a few years ago, the land was acquired by an independent power producer for the purpose of developing green technologies. This has restarted it for a new life. In the autumn of 2024, Rezolv Energy broke ground for the construction of one of the largest solar parks in our country, with the intention of not only producing clean energy but also restoring the faded glory and nature of the site.

In May 2026, the “St. George” solar park was inaugurated, featuring 400,000 panels and a capacity of 225 megawatts. Electricity generation began on the 165-hectare site of the former airport, producing an amount equal to about 1% of the electricity generated in Bulgaria. Furthermore, the presence of one of the largest energy storage batteries allows for power supply to continue even when there is no sun.

The “St. George” Park is not limited solely to the production of green energy, but also has the ambition to become a true green park with a history. Over the coming months, together with children from the local school, 55 animal and bird houses will be installed on its territory, including ones for blue tits, hedgehogs, squirrels, and dormice. This will take place as part of the “Home for Wild Neighbors” initiative.

An information board dedicated to the region’s biodiversity and the history of the site will be installed. Six surveillance cameras will simultaneously ensure the traceability of the results and security. A documentary film will tell the story of the cycle of history – from the roar of aircraft engines and military aviation, through the decay, to a modern center for green technologies and a shared home for wildlife.

To remember the history of this place and to get to know its modern role. Because we can only love and protect what we know.

Photos: Facebook/ArtSilistra and Rezolv Energy