Lotnisko Babimost
Hidden in the Polish countryside lies Lotnisko Babimost, or Babimost Airport. Once a busy military base, it is now a quiet place where history still whispers. This former garrison tells the story of the Cold War, jet fighters, and changing times. It was built in 1954 and abandoned in 2004.
Babimost Airport was built in 1954. It had a long runway, fuel storage, and modern equipment for its time. The goal was to support a full air regiment with jet aircraft. In 1956, the Polish Army decided to form the 45th Fighter Aviation Regiment here, which became active the following year.
At first, the regiment used older MiG-15 and Lim-1/2 fighter jets from other bases. Babimost was never a top base, so it usually received aircraft nearing the end of their service life. In 1960, the regiment became fully combat ready.
Yuri Gagarin
A special moment came on 21 July 1961, when Major Yuri Gagarin, Hero of the Soviet Union and the world’s first cosmonaut, paid a visit to the base. His visit took place just three months after his historic flight on Vostok 1, during which he became the first human to orbit the Earth. A commemorative plaque was embedded in the apron to mark this event. After his visit, Gagarin’s cosmic headset with red “CCCP” markings and a corrugated breathing tube remained at the base.
Lim-6 bis aircraft
In the late 1960s, the regiment changed from a fighter unit to a fighter-attack unit, switching to Lim-6 bis aircraft made in Poland. Over time, Babimost became more of a training base than a front-line combat unit. Many young pilots started their careers here before moving to other airfields.
During the 1980s, Babimost trained cadets from the Dęblin aviation school. New aircraft were expected but never delivered. In 1988, the regiment was renamed the 45th Aviation Training and Combat Regiment. By 1991, it still flew the aging Lim-6 bis. The unit was finally disbanded in 1992, making it the last in Poland to operate this type of aircraft.
Even in 2003, American, German, and Dutch troops used the garrison for exercises. At the end of 2004, the unit was abandoned, and its real estate put up for sale. The airport, however, was repurposed for civilian use.
Military presence
Today, some buildings have been demolished, others renovated, and some remain abandoned. In 2024, the airport will again host a military presence. The 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny will use part of the site, while civilian flights will continue at Babimost.
