Aircraft Boneyard — Abandoned Željava Air Base

Exploring the Željava Air Base, located on the border between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, begins with a hunt for the invisible. After extensive research, we discovered the existence of abandoned aircraft within this former ultra-secret military structure, known by the code name ‘Object 505.’

Upon arrival, we pass through a village situated just a few hundred meters from the runways of what was once Yugoslavia’s largest underground base. At the edge of this wasteland, reality hits us hard: warning signs alert us to an extremely high risk of landmines. Our stress levels skyrocket instantly. Faced with this invisible danger, we hesitate: should we turn back, or press on at the risk of our lives?

In the end, the temptation is too strong. The urge to explore the remains of the Douglas C-47 Dakotas standing guard at the tunnel entrance pushes us forward. We advance with extreme caution, scanning every inch of the ground to avoid a deadly trap. Once our tripods are set up in front of these metal carcasses frozen in time, the adrenaline takes over, and we nearly forget the warnings as we climb into the cockpits. It was an immense thrill—made even better by the fact that we made it out of the minefield safe and sound.