nvubu strikes with Kholm.
Aircraft did land there before the area shrank, as evidenced by the photograph.
During the conflict some 2,000 sorties were flown - initially by JU-52's and then gliders. The change of approach was forced by a 30% loss rate in aircraft. As the 'kessel' area was compressed because of the intensity of the fighting, the airfield became part of 'no mans' land and each glider landing was greeted by frantic efforts from both sides to retrieve the valuable contents.
You have the thread.