ALBANIAN AIRPORTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R002600060002-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 16
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 18, 1999
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: April 6, 1949
• Content Type: REPORT

CLASS UA JON 25X1 A2g
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'~ ----- - INFORMATION REPORT CD NO.
COUNTRY Albania ,
DATE DISTR.S APR 1949
SUBJECT Albanian Airports
NO. OF PAGES
15
PLACE 25X1A6a
ACQUIRED
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
DATE OF INFO. See below (para. 5)
25X1X6
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
1. Soon after the end of hostilities in 1945, Yugoslav technicians were sent
to Albania to restore airports destroyed or damaged by the Germans during
their retreat. The work of restoration was carried out effectively, and
most of the airports were once again put in usable condition. After the
Tito-Cominform crisis of 1948, Soviet technicians were sent to replace the
Yugoslavs and to continue the work begun by the latter.
2.. The restoration of the Albanian airports is clearly being carried out for
military purposes, since the airports potentially useful to the Albanian
economy even under pre-war conditions of free trade, are limited to those
in existence before the Italian occupation, i.e., those at Shkoder, Kukes,
Tirana', Peshkopi, Berat, Korce North, Gjinokaster, and Vlone South. Under
the Soviets, however, the airfields of Vlone North and Devoli are also being
restored. Present critical economic conditions do not justify reconstruc-
tion of the new airports, nor do Albanians prospects seem to favor a renewal
of her international trade.
3. In connection with information received concerning the construction of
launching platforms for V-type missiles in the Vlone region, it is possible
that the informants have misunderstood the purpose for which runways, either
of concrete or asphalt, have been constructed. Because the Vlone airport
is very readily identifiable and therefore easily open to attack, such run-
ways may have been constructed to make possible the dispersion of aircraft.
4. Of all the airports of the Balkans, those of Albania are most advantageous,
not only because of their proximity to the central L?'editerranean, but also
because of favorable climatic and atmospheric conditions; the majority of
them are free of snow during most of the year. By using them, the Soviets
could carry on aerial offensive into the ?.editerranean; supply 1`4arkose
guerrillas by air; and, in case of Italyls participation in a war against
the Soviet Union;, furnish supplies to the Communist guerrilla groups which
would certainly spring up in that country.
5.. In view of the importance of the Albanian airports, the present report will
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therefore first cover all information on them as of 8 September 1943;
secondly, their present condition; and, finally, the pose li,es for
improvement and use in he future.
Tirana Aiport.
Location: Latitude,41? 19' 55U North; longitude 19? 47 1 30" East of
Greenwic . The airport Is west of the city, and south of the Tirana-
Vorre-Durres highway.
7. Dimensions:
a. In size, it is approximately 1,400 x 500 meters. In form, it is
irregular with the, longest side on the east, where it borders the
Tirana-Vorre-Durrisa highway. The shortest side is to the north-
west.
b. The runway is laid out from northwest to southeast, is 1,000 meters
long and 70 met-:rs wide. In 1943, considerable progress had been
made toward increasing the length of the runway to 1,200 meters, and
in completing the joining strip between the runway and the hangare,
8. Terrain: The ground is clayey, but the natural slop of the ground as well
as drainage projects make the field usable in all seasons.
9. Directions of landing and take-off: Because of the single runway, it is
on possible to lane-.e. and take on` in northwest-southeast or southeast-
northwest directions.
10. Hi wa connectioas: The airport is connected with Tirana and Durres by
means of two asp-Mi t highways,
U. Facilities:
a. Three large hangars are located along the side bordering the Tirana-
Vorre-Durres highway, One hangar is located in the southeast portion
of the field.
b. Also along the side bordering the Tirana-Vorre-Durres highway are
various masonry buildings for offices, and sheet-iron barracks for
troops.
c. Outside the limits of the field, along the Tirana-Vorre-Durres high-
way, are located the quarters of the officers and non-commissioned
officers.
d. Further masonry buildings exist in the southeast section of the fields
12. L: No fixed lighting equipment was available in 1943, but mobile
spotlights were used for night flights.
13. Water.u?: Water is supplied for the most part by the Tirana aqueduct.
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In times of drought, water is obtained from the Sh'Gjin spring located
at the southeastern end of the field.
14. Sanitary conditions: These are good for the most part, with a low
incidence of ma a.
15. Prevailing winds: Northwest and southeast.
16. Weather: Rain is abundant during the winter, summer, and autumn. Snow in
rare. Weather is generally suitable for night flights.
17. Dirsion: Dispersion of aircraft is difficu,Lt. However,at the cost of
considerable modification (including the construction of a bridge over the
Lana stream), it would be possible to disperse planes to the norttwest and
southwest of the fields
v 18. Caves: Natural caves are located in the vicinity of the airfield.
, 19. Woods: Woods exist in the'vicinity of the field.
20. Previous use: This airport, until September 1943,
fol owing types of planess
a.
Bombers: S.81, 5.79, Br. 20;
b.0
Fi tars: Cr. 42, G. 50, M.200, Ro. 41;
c.
Dive Bombers:
Ju. 87;
d.
Transports:
S.82, G. 12;
e.
Reconnaissance Planes: Ro. 37.
21. Present conditions: Since 1945, the field and the runway have been in
s .ic a good condition for departure and arrival of aircraft. Recent
information indicates that the hangars and buildings have been in part
restored.
22. Future usefulness: In case of war with a power possessing strong airpower,
Me usefulness of this airport would be small unless the following modifica-
tions were made (such modifications would, however, be very difficult because
of the clayey character of the hills):
a. Construction of bridges over the Lana stream in order to allow dispersion
of aircraft?
b? Construction of hangars in the sides of the hills which bound the field
on the west, and connection of these hills with the runway by means of
a connecting strip.
Shkoder Airport.
23. Location: Latitude 420 60 2211 North; longitude 19? 321' 000 East of Green-
cwhe The field is located four kilometers northeast,of Shkoder.
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24, Dimensions:
a. In size, it is 1400 x 1400 meters,'and could easily be enlarged.
b. No runway exists.
25. Terrain: The ground is basically gravel, with excellent drainage, so
the matte field is usable in all seasons and even after long periods of
rain. The excellence of the terrain made unnecessary the construction
of a runway.
26? Directions of landing and take-off: Possible in all directions, although
the nort -sout , south-north d rections are best because of complete free-
dom from obstacles,
27. Highway connections: The airport is connected to the city by the Shkoder-
Ura e Mesi road.
28. Facilities: The terminal building of the airport is of masonry construc-
tion. There are also various buildings of wood used as offices and
quarters for personnel,
29. Lighting: Mobile spotlights only.
30. Water sup : In winter, spring, and autumn, most of the water supply is
obta,ne rom the pumping station located near the Kiri stream. In the
summer, however, this stream is dry and water is brought from Shkoder in
tank trucks.
31. Sanitary conditions: Excellent. There is no malaria here.
32. Prevailin winds: North, northeast, and southeast. Winds from the north
and northeast are strong.
33. Weather: Rain is abundant in winter, spring, and autumn. Heavy snows also
occur at times. Generally good weather makes night flights possible.
34. Dispersion: Excellent facilities for dispersion exist, especially on the
plains to the north and east of the field.
35. Caves: There exist no natural caves in the vicinity. The calcareous hills
northeast of the field could, however, be used for the construction of
shelters for personnel and material.
36. Woods: About one kilometer north of the field a zone of high but not dense
trees begins,
37. Previous use: The airport, until September 1943, had been used by the fol-
oZng types of planes:
a. Bombers: S.79, S.81, Br. 20;
b. Fighters: Cr. 42, G.50;
c. Dive Bombers: Ju 87;
d. Reconnaissance Planes: Caproni.
38. Present conditions: The airport is at present in perfect operating condition.
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39. Future usefulness: The Shkoder airport is in all respects the best in
A bania. The on ,y negative consideration is its closeness to Yugos..avia;
it is, in fact, within artillery range of Tarabosh.
Shijak Airport
40. Location: Latitude 41? 19' 35" North; Longitude 19? 32' 20" East of
Greenwich. This airport is situated about 400 meters south of the Durres-
Shijak highway and west of the Shijak-Reti crossroad.
41. Dimensions:
a, In size, the field is approximately 1200 x 1200 meters. Between its
northwestern and southeastern extremities there is a distance of about
1400 meters.
b. The length of the runway, laid out in a north-south direction, is about
1000 meters; it is 70 meters wide.
42. Terrains The soil is clayey, and the airport is consequently unusable in
winter." To improve the airport, it would be necessary to construct drainage
works, a taxi strip, and supplementary strips for dispersion of aircraft.
In summer, the field is excellent.
43. Directions of landing and take-off: Although the runway is laid out in
north-south recf on, the H= es dry and hard from May to October; land-
ing and take-off are therefore possible in all directions during these
months. Because of existence of hills nearby, take-offs for night flights
are advisable in a southerly direction.
44. Hi way connections: The improved Shijak-Reti crossroad connects the air-
port with the two asphalted Tirana-Durres highways. In addition, the north-
west section of the field is directly connected with the asphalted Tirana-
Shijak-Durres road.
45. Facilities: The headquarters of the field, some of the quarters for person-
nel, t e tchens, and the messes are situated east of the Shijak Reti cross-
road in a small woods. Only one of these buildings is of masonry construc-
tion; the others are wooden barracks. In addition, three wooden barracks
were constructed one kilometer east of the Shijak-Reti crossroad. Still
another group of barracks was constructed northwest of the field in a small
grove of trees located 300 meters from the 8.5 kilometer point of the Tirana-
Shijak-Durres road. Two small hangars were constructed on the eastern side
of the field, as well as one in the northwest corner.
46. Likiting: Mobile spotlights only.
47. Water eupp : Water is supplied by the Durres aqueduct. During the flood
season of the Arzan river, the detritus cannot be filtered, and the water
supply is therefore interrupted.
48. Sanitary conditions: Good. The incidence of malaria is low.
49. Prevailing Winds: North, northwest, and southeast.
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50. Weather: Abundant rain in the winter. Snow is rare.
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51. Dispersion: On basis of conditions existing in 1943, it can be categorically
ita- tI t aircraft cannot with present facilities be dispersed during the
winter. In summer, dispersion would be possible beyond the limits of the air-
port if a bridge were constructed over the canal which borders the field.
52. Caves: No caves exist in the vicinity.
53. Woods: Vegetation is scarce except for the two woods mentioned in paragraph
44 above.
54. Previous use. Until September 1943, the following types of planes had used
the airport:
a. Bombers : Br.. 20;
b. Reconnaissance Planes: Ca. 114;
c. Fighters: C.42.
55. Present conditions: Nothing precise Is'known concerning the present condi-
tion of a Tr-port.
56. Future usefulness: The location of the field and the favorable weather give
good reason for believing that this airfield will be put in condition for
use in winter weather. The field's present lack of usefulness in winter
could be corrected by the construction of strips for dispersion of aircraft.
For this purpose, the areas in the northern section of the field and north of
the Durres-Shijak highway could be used,., The hills west and west-southwest
of the field could be used for the construction of subterranean hangars and
depots. However, because of the clayey character of the hills considerable
work would be necessary for the latter constructions.
Devoli Airport (also known as Ura Hasan Beut Airport},
57. Location: Latitude 40? 46+ 1511 North; Longitude 19? 521 30" East of Green-
wich. The field, which is an approximate square, is located about 300 meters
ear.- of Ura Hasan Beut bridge.. The NW and SE sides are bounded respectively
by the Ura Hasan Beut-Kucove and the Ura Hasan Beut-Berat roads.
58. Dimensions:
a. The field is approximately 1200 x 1200 meters square.
b. The runway is 1000 meters long and 70 meters wide.
59. Terrain: Clayey.
60. Directions of landing and take-off: During the winter, planes could take off
and land only r m th runway. From May to October, take-off and landing
were possible in all directions without use of the runway. With heavily-
laden planes, it was inadvisable to take off in a southerly direction, because
of the hills located on the south side of the Ura Hasan Beut bridge.
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61. _Highway connections: The airport is located on the asphalt Ura Hasan Beut-
Bera roa .
62. Facilities: The only constructions on the field were wooden barracks.
63. Lighting: No lighting facilities are known to have existed.
64. Water supp], yr: Water is available from the Osum River.
65. Sanitary conditions: Malaria is not known to have existed,
66. Prevails winds: North, northwest, and southeast.
67. Weather: Heavy rains in winter, spring, and autumn. Snow is rare.
68. Dis ersion: During the winter dispersion was impossible. At moderate
Cos .9 however, be possible to make improvements necessary for t the dispersion of aircraft to the east, southeast, and north of the field.
69. Caves: None. They could, however, be constructed in the calcareous hills
oca ed east of the field.
70. Woods: None.
71. Previous use: Until September 1943, the airport had been used by:
a. Bombers: S. 81.
b. Reconnaissance Planes: Ca. 3114.
72. Present condition: Russian technical advisers have supervised the work of
reactivating this airport. The runway is known to have been repaired.
73. Future usefulness: Favorable climatic conditions make this airport of great
potent a "usefulness' if the, improvements necessary for dispersion are made.
Vlone North Airport.
74. Location: Latitude 40? 28, 20" North; Longitude 190 29' 30" East of Green-
_. _,
75. Dimensions:
a, Size of field is 1200 x 1200 meters.
b. The runway is 1000 meters long, 70 meters wide, and laid out in a north-
west-southeast direction.
76. Terrain: Because this airport was constructed on swampland, it was necessary
to construct, in addition to drainage works and a runway, a circular connec-
ting strip. The ground between the connecting strip and the runway Is fairly
hard, and it was possible for fighter planes to take off from it in emergencies.
77. Directions of landing and take-off: In winter, take-off was possible only
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from the runway. At other seasons, take-off and landing were, however,
possible in all directions. No important obstacles exist except for the
hills located east of the field.
78. Highway connections: The airport is connected to the city by a hard-sur--
facedroad..
79. Facilities: in 1943, two or three hangars had been constructed, and con-
struction of barracks and administration buildings was,under way.
80. Li tin : Mobile spotlights only.
81. Water pply: Water had to be brought to the field by tank trucks.
82a Sanitary conditions: Very bad. Malaria was prevalent.
83. Prevailing winds: North, northwest, and southeast.
84. Weather: Abundant rain in winter. Snow is rare.
85. Tfis rsion: Impossible in winter. In dry months, it was possible to die-
parse panes to the west of the runway and on an area of the field immediately
outside the connecting strip.
86. Caves: In the immediate vicinity of the field there are no natural caves.
However, the Italian Navy built air raid shelters to the south of the
city of Vlone.
87. Woods: Outside the field, to the east, olive groves exist, which were used
to conceal ammunition. The areas outside the field to the west, southwest,
and north are almost entirely lacking in vegetation.
88. Previous use; Until September 1943, the airport was used for the following
types ot? anes :
a.
Bombers:
S. 81;
b.
Fighters:
Cr. 42, G. 50;
c.
Dive Bombers:
Ju. 87;
d.
Transports:
S. 82;
e.
Reconnaissance:
Roo 37.
89. Present conditions: The airport has been restored to operating condition,
with both the runway and the connecting strip repaired.
90. Future usefulness: Geographic position and favorable weather make this field
one o grea po ential usefulness.
Vlone South Airport.
91. Location: Latitude 400 269 20" North; Longitude 190 29' 15" Fast of Green-
field is situated three kilometers south of Vlone, and east of
the coastal highway.
92. Dimensions:
a. 700 x 120 meters approximately.
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b, No runway existed in 1943, and none is believed to exist at present.
93. Terrain:! Clayey. Because the land slopes, the field is always usable,
94. Directions of landing and take-off: Only possible in north-south and south-
north directions, To-the east, 'he field is bounded by hille.. Trees situated
at the northern end of the field make landing difficult from straight north,
and hangars located at the southern end of the field must be taken into con-
sideration in landing from this direction.
95. Highway connections: The airport is connected to the city by means of the
coastal hig rosy.
96. Facilities: A berth for hydroplanes is located on the water.
97. Lighting : No'lighting facilities. The dimensions of this field do not
permit its use for night flying,
98. Water sum: Water used to be brought to the field in tank trucks,
99. Sanitary conditions: Very bad. Malaria is prevalent.
1.00. Prevailing winds: North, northwest, and southeast.
101. Weather: Rains are heavy in winter. Snow is rare.
102. Dispersion: An unimportant consideration, since the field is only usable
for sliaison planes.,
103. Previous use: Used by small liaison planes only,
104. Present condition: The field is at present in operating condition.
105. Future usefulness: This field is virtually,useless for military purposes,
206res Airport.
106. Location: Latitude 410 199 4011 North; Longitude 190 26+ 15" East of Greeu-
wRa 'he field is situated one kilometer north of Durres on the road to
Porta Roman.
107, Dimensions:
a. The field is 700 x 400 meters in size.
b. No runways existed in 1943.
108. Terrain: Clayey. Because of the lack of a runway, the field used to be
unus,. ab a in winter.
109. Direction of landing and take-off: Due to the dimensions of the field,
.landing and take-off were possible in only the north-south and south north
directions,
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110, Highway connections: A hard-surfaced road connects the airport with the
c ty.
111. Facilities: The only building on the field itself was a masonry adminis-
trat on'6u$iding. On the other side of the road from the airport were
located about ten barracks of corrugated iron, used for garaging vehicles
or for housing of airport personnel.
112. ,Li hting No facilities for lighting known to have existed.
113. Water ei1y: Source of water supply in 1943 is unknown. It would be pos-
31er; however, to connect the airport with the Durres aqueduct.
114. Sanitax
conditions: Conditions were in general satisfactory. Malaria is
prevalent, owever.
115. Prevailing winds: North, northeast, and southeast.
116. Weather: Rain is frequent in winter. Snow is rare,
117. Dispersion: Only during the summer is it possible to disperse planea
a ong t e northern edge of the field. The area east of the field is always
useless because partially swampy. The southern edge of the field lies next
to the city's outskirts, while to the west there begins a hilly region.
118. Caves: Near the airport are natural caves, In the hills west of the field
were Constructed subterranean depots for fuel and munitions. These hills
are of clayey soil.
119. Woods: No woods are located near the airport.
120. Previous use: Before September 1943, the airport had been used by the fol-
lowing types of planes:
a.
Bombers:
S.81;
b.
Fighters:
Cr. 42.
121. Present condition: This airport is known to be in operating condition at
the present time.
122. Future usefulness: In view of the dimensions of this airfield,, the limited
pass 'lUt es o dispersion, the nature of the terrain, and the closeness
of the airport to Shijak, this field is not expected to be greatly developed
in the future. In order to give it greater usefulness in time of war, it
would be necessary to construct a runway and connecting strip, and to build
hangars in the hills on the west side of the field.
Force North Airport.
123. Location: Latitude 400 37' 50"' North; Longitude 200 46' 50" East of Green-
w ch. he field is situated 1 kilometer north-northeast of the city, east
of the Korce-Dishnice highway.
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124. Dimensions:
a. The field is approximately 800 x 800 meters in size, although its
shape is irregular rather than a perfect square.
b. No runway existed in 1943.
125. Terrain: Clayey. The old portion of the field is good in most weather
because of a strong slope which provides good drainage.
126, Directions of landing and take-off : Because the field slopes dawnward
strongly to the northwest, it is not possible to take-off in an easterly
or southeasterly direction. For the same reason, landing is impossible
in a northwesterly, westerly, or southwesterly direction.
127. Highway connections: The airport is connected with Korce by means of the
Korce-Dishnice h gray.
128. Facilities: An administration building of masonry construction, exists ate
the airport. Near the field there exist barracks for housing personnel.
129. Li tin : No lighting facilities. The slope of the field makes night
landings inadvisable even were lighting available.
130. Water supply: Water available from the nearby barracks mentioned in
paragraph 128. The source of such water is not known.
131. Sanitary conditions: Good. The incidence of malaria is low.
132. Prevailing winds: North and southeast.
133. Weather: Rains are frequent in winter, as is snow.
134. Dispersion: In summer, dispersion is possible to the northwest and west
of the f ield.
135. Caves: Near the field, natural caves exist. In the clayey hills which
mast and southeast of the field, the construction of shelters for per-
sonnel and material would be possible.
136. Woods: No woods exist in the vicinity, and vegetation is in general scarce.
137. Previous use: Until September 1943, this field had been used regularly by
Ro. 37 reconnaissance planes, and only occasionally by bombers of unspecified
type.
138. Present conditions: The field is at present in operating condition.
139. Future usefulness: In order for this field to serve any useful purpose in
a future war, it would be necessary to construct a runway, as well as dis-
persion strips in the north and northwest corners of the airport. In view
of unfavorable weather conditions and the existence of Korce South Airport,
an airport of much great potentialities, it would not seem worthwhile to
attempt such major constructions.
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Korce South (or Drenova Airport.
140. Location: Latitude 400 35t 20" North; Longitude 200 45' 4511 East of Green-
wi "The field is situated two and a half kilometers south of Korce, on
the plain between Drenova and Teqe, at approximately 900 meters above sea-
level.
141. Dimensions: The field is approximately 1200 x 1200 meters square.
142. Terrain: Clayey but fairly hard.
143. Directions of landing and take-off: Both landing and take-off are possible
in all directions.
144. Highway connections: The field is situated just off the hard-surfaced Korce-
Drenovaghway.
145. Facilities: No buildings existed at this airport in September 1943.
146. jAgh None.
147. Water supply: Water must be brought from Korce in tank trucks.
148. Sanitary conditions: Good. The incidence of malaria is low.
149. Prevailing winds: North and southeast.
150. Weather: Rains and snows are frequent during the winter.
151. Dispersion: Since the airport is located on an open plain, the possibilities
of dispersion are excellent in all directions.
152. Caves: No natural caves exist near the airport. They could, however, be
excavated in the hills which lie east and southeast of the field.
153. Woods: There are no woods in the vicinity. Trees and vegetation of all types
are scarce in this region.
154. Previous use: This field, up until September 1943, was used regularly by
Ro. 37 reconnaissance planes and occasionally by S. 81 bombers.
155. Present conditions: Nothing definite is known about the present condition
of this airport.
156. Future usefulness: It is obvious that in order to fit this field for war-
time use, extensive constructions, including a runway and dispersion strips,
would be necessary. It is conceivable, however, that such constructions
might prove worthwhile; the Russians might, for instance, find this field use-
ful as a base from which to supply Communist guerrillas fighting in the Kast-
oria and Florina regions.
Berat Airport.
157. Location: Latitude 40 44+ 3011 North; Longitude 19.55' 3511 East of Greenwich.
we ? 1d is located about three kilometers north of Berat and east of the
Berat ilra Hasan Beut road.
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A C."ENTRAP. INTELLIGENCE A!'ENCY 25X1A2g
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158, Dimensions:
a., 'f he field is approximately 900 x 500 meters in size.
b. No runway existed in 1943.
159. Terrain: The soil is clayey, and the field has only a slight slop with
URN-drainage. It is therefore largely unusable in winter. In addition,
it is often submerged twice in the same year by floods of the Osum (Zuni
Beratit) River, which coers it with water to a depth of 50 centimeters.
160. Directions of landing and take-off: Landing and take-off are possible
only n the southeast-nort'rtwest and northwest-southeast direction. The
eastern side of the field is bordered by hills.
161. 12&wav connections: The field is connected with Berat by the asphalted
Berat-flra Hasan Beut read.
162. Facilities: An administration building of masonry construction exists at
kid "a sport.
163e - Li ht : None,
164. Water Supply: Water is available from the Osum river.
1.65. Sanitary conditions: Cood. The incidence of malaria is low.
166. Prevailing winds: North, northwest, and southeast.'
167. Weather: Rains are frequent in winter, but snow is rare.
168. Dispersion: In good weather, dispersion of aircraft is -possible to the
n?irth, northwest, and southeast of the field.
169. Caves: There are no natural caves in the area. Caves could, however, be
constructed in the clayey hills which border the field on the south.
170. Woods: There are no woods in the vicinity and vegetation is scarce.
171. Previous use: Until September 1943, this airport was used by the follow-
ing types of planes:
a, Bombers: 5,.81:
Fi haters:_ Cr. 42, G.50, M. 200.
172. Present conditions: Me airport is at present in operating condition.
173. Future usefulness: To ensure the usefulness of this airport in winter, the
construction ofa dyke to protect it against floods would be necessary, as
well as construction of a runway and dispersion strips.
G inokaster Airport.
174. Location: Latitude 40? 51 15" North; Longitude 200 81 30" East of Greenwich.
The field is situated on the right bank of the Drin River,-about 2 kilometers
-northeast of Gjinokaster,
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nr; TRAL INTELLIGENCE ACE= 25X1 A2g
,u1~e
175n Dimensions :
a In 3i:e, the field is about 1000 x 500 meters.
b. No runway existed in 1943.
176 T`errain: The soil is clayey, and the f ield,is, therefore, often unusable
aManter
177. Directions of landi.nt and take-off: Landing and take-off are possible only
in the northwest-southeast a~ n southeast-northwest directions, due to the
fact that the field stretches lengthwise along a river valley bordered by
hills.
Hiftny connections: A single bridge across the Drin River connects the s.ir-
porL with the Gjinokaster-Tepelene highway. .
179. Facilities: The only building of masonry construction which existed in
X43 was the administration building.
180. Ligrrting: None.
181. Water supply: By use cf pumps, water can be obtained from the Drin River.
182, Sanitary conditions: Good? The incidence of malaria is low,;
:113. Prevailing winds: Northwest and southeast,-
L84. Weather: Rains are frequent in winter. Fog is frequent in the valley.
185. Dispersion: During dry weather dispersion is possible lengthwise along the
186. Caves : No natural cares exist in the vicinity.
187. Woods: No woods exist in the vicinity.
188. Previous use: Until September 1943, this field had been used by the follow-
iag types air planes:
G., Bombers: So 81;
b. Reconnaissance Planes: Ro. 37.
189. Present condition: The airport is at present in operating'condition.
190. Future usefulness: For war-time use, it would be necessary to construct
iiwa. s7,' spexosion strips, and hangars. Except as a possible base from
which to supply Greek Cara nnist guerrillas, this airport would not appear
to be of great potential value.
Kukes Airport.
1-91. Location: Latitude 42? 2' 20< North; Longitude 20? 244 0" East of Greenwich.
'i`hefield is situated about six kilometers.south of Kukes, and about five
kilometers north. of Bicaj. The Drin valley, in;whichlthe airport is located,
is surrounded by high mountains which limit the possibilities of take-off with
heavy loads.
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192 ! r,::nt i.crrs :
Field is aorir? .tely 900 x 400 meters in sizes
Urc runway exists.
25X1A2g
Terraa n:. The soil is cl.ayeyP, but a strong slope to the land prov idol
, in all seaccns, and the field is therefore always usable,
?e 4 - a :ce~e ns of landing and take-off : Because of the surround .~~ g mountains
Highway c onnaction.s. tin unimproved road connects the airport writI. l;ukes
6E Fzcil.ities: A masonry-constructed administration building exists at .he
)ort.
'1
Lighting.. None
Water supply: Water i:) available from the Drin River,
i 911, 3 ni tart' conditions: Good. Malaria is not known to exist here
Lf.3~ Pr r*~i 1:=n winds ? `orth northeast, and smith.
airhevr: iia%'n and snow are frequent in wi.rrters Fogs are frequent. ire -.11.
:O2