Debate Intensifies Over Hisingen Landing Strip's Future in Gothenburg

The ongoing debate surrounding the landing strip on Hisingen, Gothenburg, is heating up as Försvarsmakten has formally requested to retain operational rights to the facility. In a recent statement submitted to Transportstyrelsen, the military expressed concerns about the impact of potential development on their operational capabilities. The strip, initially utilized by Göta flygflottilj before transitioning to civilian use, faces a proposal that would reduce its length from 1,085 meters to merely 600 meters, effectively restricting it to emergency services like police and medical helicopters.

The area’s current owner, Castellum, plans to convert this valuable site into a logistics hub named Nordic Hub Säve. This project, positioned as vital for regional economic growth, promises to generate approximately 8,000 jobs and is described by Castellum as having 'three million square meters of future potential.' However, political division has surfaced within Gothenburg’s city council, with calls from the Democratic Party for a delay in development until military requirements are properly assessed. Martin Wannholt of the Democratic Party emphasized the necessity of maintaining the airport's functionality and suggested that measures be taken to ensure the air traffic control tower remains operational after its proposed closure on January 1st. The final decision by Transportstyrelsen is anticipated by year’s end, and uncertainty looms about the balance between military needs and developmental ambitions.