Help me create an airport Runway

[Airomum]

DC (4) is asking for a "really really big runway" for Christmas. I've had a look online but just can't find anything that either looks any good, or isn't stupid money so I figured me & DH can just make one. DC will be receiving a Playmobil airport set (control tower, etc) so I literally just need a flat runway. Ideally I want something I can attach a handle to the edge so he can slide it under the sofa when he's not using it.
I was going to get a bit of plywood and do it but I wonder if that might be too heavy to slide around.

Can anyone think of what might be best to use as a base other than a piece of ply? Size wise, I don't mind as long as it can fit under the sofa, or be folded.

I'd like it to feature at least one runway, a helipad, some parking spaces, somewhere he can put the control tower. I'd also like to make a removable wind sock, maybe some other accessories.

Would absolutely love some suggestions/ideas of how to make this and what to include.

If you want it to be realistic, the runway needs to be at least 8 times longer than the length of a plane, for example a metre long for a 12cm plane.

Have you looked for play mats on Amazon? For example:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kuluoits-60x120cm-Airplane-Non-Slip-Washable/dp/B0G5WW1W6H/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?

How about converting one of those puzzle boards. They are designed to fold and go under a sofa.

Correx board or foam core board would be lighter than plywood. Both come already in grey (or black if you prefer) so you'd only need to mark out the runway lines etc.

I'd go with the mat idea..

And TBH if you want something actually to scale with the model aircraft you'll need small models or a bigger house...

I too was going to suggest correx, light and strong.

What about using the reverse side of a carpet runner?
https://www.runrug.com/products/natura-grey-hall-runner?variant=56672139280762

Lego used to do road/runway baseplates. You could probably find some on eBay.

if you can sew, I'd go with fabric because it is lightweight and can be rolled up. Green with plants for grass, then a strip of grey vinyl down the center. Paint on lines, or sew on ribbon. glue on sequins or similar for lights etc.

How about a folding wallpaper table? They have a handle, you could paint the top to look like a runway. Perhaps put fairy lights along it?

You could shorten the legs quite easily.
Screwfix do this one for £16.99. https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-economy-hardboard-top-pasting-table-1780mm-x-560mm-x-740mm/75122#product_additional_details_container

I'd also go for fabric, as it's easy to roll/fold up and store, and is lightweight. I use fabric for all my Playmobil scene bases (I have grass, sand, water, snow etc).

If you were looking for a helicopter landing pad, in Playmobil set 70048 there is a cardboard fold-out landing pad, which would be the right size for a Playmo helicopter. 70048 isn't a current set, but you might be able to get a set second hand on eBay for example.

Love the Amazon mat! Just lay a string of fairy lights along that and jobs done.

My DS13 has a model airport which started on a 5ft long folding picnic table. It's now two folding picnic tables after a recent expansion... He has them in the spare bedroom so they stay up, but the tables fold in half to about 3 or 4 inches deep and have a handle for carrying/pulling out from under the sofa.

They're really sturdy, plastic top with metal legs, but not particularly light, maybe the wallpapering table mentioned above would be better for moving about. DS paints runways, glues grass, lights, etc. directly onto the table tops. Gives an excellent smooth, flat runway.

I would give him all the planes etc. Then bring out a big but of cardboard and a new set of pens, some craft paper, some tin foil, some old teabag boxes you have saved to be turned into buildings etc and say ‘now let’s make the airport and runway.’
At this age he will get so much fun out of designing and drawing it all. Depending on what adults are around at Christmas you may well find it turns into a cool activity for everyone. It doesn’t need to be to scale. Just fun.

You say you’ve looked online but have you searched “runway playmat”? Even if you ignore temu and shein there are Amazon options (etc) that are a large rug with runways and a place to put the buildings etc, still cheaper than a bit of mdf that size.