Definition
Krefeld Airfield (German: Flugplatz Krefeld) is a public general‑aviation airfield situated in the city of Krefeld, in the state of North Rhine‑Westphalia, Germany. It is primarily used for private flying, flight training, gliding and sky‑diving activities and does not host scheduled commercial airline service.
Overview
The airfield lies on the western edge of Krefeld, near the district of Fischeln. It is owned and operated by the local aeroclub, Flugverein Krefeld e. V., which provides facilities for member aircraft, flight instruction, and aerial sports. The field is integrated into the regional aviation network and is listed in the German Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) under the ICAO identifier EDKR. Access is by means of a single runway and a modest terminal building that houses a control desk, a pilot lounge, and hangar space.
Historically, the site was first developed in the aftermath of World War I as a military training ground. During the inter‑war period it was expanded for civil aviation, and in World War II it served as a Luftwaffe satellite airfield. After the war, the runway and associated facilities were restored for civilian use, and the airfield has since functioned as a hub for recreational aviation in the region. Precise dates for its establishment and wartime use are not fully documented in publicly available sources.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Krefeld Airfield” directly references the city of Krefeld, a historic industrial centre located on the lower Rhine. “Flugplatz” is the German term for a non‑commercial aerodrome, distinguishing it from larger airports (“Flughafen”).
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ICAO code | EDKR |
| IATA code | – (none assigned) |
| Owner / Operator | Flugverein Krefeld e. V. |
| Elevation | Approximately 38 m (125 ft) above mean sea level |
| Runway | 06/24, grass surface, circa 800 m (2 625 ft) in length |
| Facilities | Small terminal building, aircraft hangars, fuel dispensing (avgas), flight‑training school, glider and sky‑diving operation bases |
| Typical traffic | Light‑sport aircraft, gliders, ultralights, training aircraft; occasional business‑jet visits limited to short‑haul operations |
| Navigational aids | Visual‑flight‑rules (VFR) only; no instrument‑landing system |
The airfield is open year‑round, weather permitting, and operates under VFR regulations. No control tower is present; pilots coordinate movements on a common traffic advisory frequency.
Related Topics
- Krefeld – the host city, known for its textile industry and cultural heritage.
- General aviation in Germany – the broader sector encompassing non‑commercial flight activities.
- Luftwaffe airfields of World War II – historical context for many German airfields, including Krefeld.
- Aero clubs (Flugverein) – organizations that manage many small aerodromes across the country.
- North Rhine‑Westphalia aviation infrastructure – includes larger airports such as Düsseldorf International Airport (EDDL) and Cologne Bonn Airport (EDDK).
Note: While the above information reflects data available from official aviation publications and publicly accessible historical references, certain historical details (e.g., exact opening date, specific wartime assignments) lack comprehensive verification and are presented with the caveat that “Accurate information is not confirmed.”