Ever wondered where the first aircraft took flight in Strasbourg? Here we are at Strasbourg Neuhof Airfield. This airfield boasts a history stretching back to the early days of aviation.
As early as 1910, even under German administration, part of the former Neuhof “Exerzierplatz” was allocated to aeronautical activities. This area had an imposing shooting range dividing it. To the north was a “Flieger-Station”. It was equipped with two short runways, each 200 meters long. To the south was a base for dirigibles.
Interestingly, in 1918, the municipality of Strasbourg owned 143 hectares of the 252-hectare polygon. A portion of this land remains part of the current airfield.
In March 1920, the Minister of War allowed commercial aircraft to land at the “military aviation center with landing field”. They could find shelter and supplies here. By March 1921, it officially became a shared site. It served the needs of aerial navigation as a customs station on the air route from Paris to Warsaw.
Navigators could spot two old roads crossing the field diagonally. These roads were considered “landable”. The airfield offered a landing area of 900 meters by 900 meters. However, it was recommended to only use the southeastern part.
In February 1923, the S.N.Aé border station moved to Strasbourg-Entzheim. The Neuhof airfield then became strictly military. It wasn’t until May 1935 that it closed to public air traffic. Throughout the 1930s, the airfield expanded eastward. It eventually occupied the entire northern half of the polygon.
In February 1937, the Minister of National Defense and War ordered the area used as an airfield to be transferred to the Air Force. This also included the dirigible hangar at the southern end of the polygon. However, the transfer was never formally documented. This led to disagreements between the Army and Civil Aviation later on.
The Germans did not remodel Strasbourg Neuhof Airfield during the Occupation. After the Liberation, the airfield’s area was reduced. This was partly due to projects by the Ministry of Reconstruction and Urban Planning. Another part was used to establish a center for accelerated vocational training. This accounts for the area now outside to the north and west.
In 1947, a ministerial decree restricted the airfield to slow and light aircraft only. In the same year, Strasbourg Neuhof Airfield was primarily assigned to tourist aviation and gliding. The Air Force used it secondarily.
Today, Strasbourg Neuhof Airfield continues to serve as a testament to the region’s rich aviation history. It is a place where the dreams of flight first took wing in Strasbourg.