Kiewit Airfield
IATA: none ICAO: EBZH
Summary
Airport type	Private
Operator	Aeroclub Kiewit
Serves	Hasselt
Location	Belgium
Opened	May 15, 1910 (1910-05-15)[1]
Elevation AMSL	133 ft / 41 m
Coordinates	50°58′12″N 005°22′30″E / 50.97000°N 5.37500°E / 50.97000; 5.37500
Website	www.aero-kiewit.be
Map
EBZH Location in Belgium
Runways
Direction Length Surface m ft 09/27 600 1,969 Grass
Sources: Belgian AIP[2]

Kiewit Airfield (ICAO: EBZH) is a recreational airfield located near Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium. It has a single grass runway of 600 m length. It is operated by Aeroclub Kiewit. There is mixed activity of airplanes and gliders.^[2]

It is also home to gliding club Albatros.^[3]

History

The field was first identified as a good location for aviation activities by Alfred Lanser in 1909. At the time, it was 8 km long and 3 km wide.^[1]

After Aero Club Liège Spa signed a deal with the owner of the field, it was inaugurated on May 15, 1910. It became the first public airport in Belgium.^[4] Later that year, it was subrented to the ministry of War which used it for training, making it the first military airfield in Belgium.^[1]

After World War I, the field was used for artillery shooting exercises. Aviation activities resumed in 1933, led by the newly formed Limburg Aviation Club.^[1]

During World War II, the field was used as a decoy airfield by German occupiers. After the war, there were several attempts to restart flying activities. In 1969, flying club Aero-Kiewit was founded and flying activities gradually resumed.^[5] In 1973, they were joined by the glider club Albatros.^[6]