After the war, what happened to the 500 airports declared surplus?

After the war, the airports that were declared surplus were primarily handed over for civil use. This transition was crucial as it allowed for the development of a network of airports that could support domestic travel, commerce, and transportation needs in the post-war era. The repurposing of these airports provided significant advantages, including the expansion of civilian aviation and the economical use of existing infrastructure that had been built during the war.

By transferring these airports for civil aviation, it facilitated a smoother transition from military to civilian operations, allowing communities to benefit from improved air travel options and access. This decision was instrumental in fostering the growth of the aviation industry and meeting the increasing demand for air travel as the economy expanded in the years following the war.

The other responses do not accurately reflect the historical context; many of these surplus airports weren't simply closed or sold to private companies, and there was no significant movement to repurpose them for military use again, as the focus shifted towards civilian aviation needs.