Ivano-Frankivs'k

ICAO Code	UKLI/IFO
Last Validated
City	Ivano-Frankivs'k
Position	48°53'02"N 024°41'04"E
Runway(s)	10/28
Elevation	919 ft

General

This (former?) fighter base is now a civil airport in south west Ukraine near the Carpathian mountains.

Layout

The military infrastructure consisted of two east-west runways, of which only the southern one is still in use. Many taxiways are defunct too, only the eastern ones are operable and lead to the civil ramp and terminal that is in the north east corner. The northern part are military barracks; many shelters and a flight line can be found there.

Getting There

The airfield is on the southern outskirts of the city, between south west bound H09 and south bound T0906.

Around the Airport

1Terminal

First stop is the terminal. From the first floor, views should be possible through some windows. Outside, on the north side, to the right when facing the terminal, a peek over the steel gate and wall might provide views of the ramp.

2East side approach

Going south on the T0906 you will under pass the westerly approach. People seem to stop and watch landing aircraft here.

Alternatively, go a little bit south past the Ukrnafta N10 (Укрнафта) petrol station and go right into the road running behind the petrol station, leading towards a crash gate. You can probably also park your car at the petrol station itself and walk to the barbed wire fence.

3South side view

The farmland on the south side provides ample possibilities for excellent views of the runway, and even the old military ramps visible on the far side. From spot 2 go south on T0906 and head right onto the H10 that connects T0906 with the H09. Take the first right, back north towards the airfield. After 350 metres, make a left at the V-junction and drive on until you have nearly reached the fence and the track bends left.

This spot should also be reachable from the alternative spot behind the petrol station described under spot 2. This road bends sharp left and at the V-junction you have to go right to reach spot 3.

4West side view

Head back to the H10 and make a right. Go right again on the H09. After 2.5 kilometres make a right on a small road / track between some houses / newly constructed apartment blocks. After the last houses you will have a view of the western shelter area. Maybe you can gain height by scaling one of the flats here. Hiking south for about 1 kilometre will position you south of the western approach, good for easterly landings.
You can also reach this spot by venturing through the farmland from the H10, but that will be quite a challenge probably.

5North west side view

From spot 4, go north east on the track behind the houses. This leads to another built-up area. Make a right onto the road cutting through these. At the end, you will be at the airfield perimeter with some views of the western dispersal area. If you hike a short stretch eastbound along the fence you can view the main military ramp from the west side. The westernmost part is/was the active side of this huge ramp.

If you go back to the H09 from spot 4 and take the next right, you will end up in the same spot, albeit on better roads.