Know 8 Abandoned Airports Around The World And The Stories Behind Them

Abandoned places in urban areas often pique our curiosity about the events that led to their silence from all the bustling before. While establishments like cinema halls, amusement parks, and malls may close down due to better alternatives or mishaps, one does not expect to see abandoned airports, which were once teeming with flights and busy terminals. Yet, they too have their tales to tell when the commotion ceases and they fall into abandonment.

Various factors contribute to the ceasing of operations at an airport. Some fail to generate sufficient profits, while others are forced to shut down due to international conflicts. The reasons are many, but each abandoned airport has a captivating story. Let us explore a few such airports around the world where planes no longer land and are now either being used as alternative spaces or are still rotting.

What are abandoned airports?

There could be multiple reasons, but most airports are shut down due to financial woes. These spaces are later used as movie sets, shelters for immigrants or service facilities for aircraft.

Abandoned airports in the world

Ciudad Real Central Airport, Spain

Located almost 220 km from Madrid is the Ciudad Real Central Airport. Built in 2009 as an alternative to the Madrid Barajas Airport, a total of EUR 1.1 billion was spent on its construction. Unable to make money, the airport was shut down within three years of its opening. Eventually, it was sold to the Ciudad Real International Airport SL for EUR 56.2 million and was reopened in September 2019 as a maintenance and storage facility for aircraft.

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Nicosia International Airport, Cyprus

Opening of Nicosia International Airport gave a huge boost to Cyprus’ tourism as earlier, the only way to reach the country was through ships, and that was a multi-day journey. Following the Turkish invasion, the airport ceased operations in 1974. Presently, the structure is off-limits and is under the UN-controlled buffer separating the Greek and Turkish-controlled sides of the island.

Jaisalmer Airport, India

Isn’t it surprising that the ‘Golden City’ of Rajasthan does not have a commercial airport? Well, that is because it was all set to open in 2013 after the government spent USD 17 million on building it. However, due to less demand on the route, the airlines decided against introducing regular flights to the destination, according to a Reuters report. Currently, it serves as a military airport and cannot be used by civilians except for a few months of tourism during winter. Otherwise, Jodhpur Airport, located 285 km away, is the nearest one, which serves the border town around the year.

Manston Airport, England

Losing more than USD 139 million in 16 years under private ownership, Manston Airport couldn’t sustain its operations and had to be closed in 2014. Over 144 people lost their jobs in April of that year after the last flight took off to Amsterdam. The airport’s owners, RiverOak Strategic Partners, recently shared a plan to transform it into a thriving cargo airport. If all goes well, the defunct airfield could see a grand reopening in the new avatar in 2026.

Tempelhof Airport, Germany

Built by the Nazis between 1936 and 1941, the Tempelhof Airport was initially used to test some of the world’s first aircraft and house World War II prisoners. Later it served West Berlin (Berlin after the unification of Germany) for many decades. However, it had to be abandoned in 2008 after passenger numbers started declining due to traffic shifting to the other airports in the capital city.

After shutting operations, the airport became a shooting location for films. The Hunger Games, The Bourne Supremacy and Bridge of Spies were among the ones to be shot there. Today, the airport is a public park and has also functioned as a refugee camp.

Yasser Arafat International Airport, Palestine

The airport opened its airstrips in late 1998 and was built with the hope of being a symbol of sovereignty, peace and independence for the Palestinians. Located in Rafah close to the Gaza Strip at the Egyptian border, the airport was inaugurated in the presence of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton, then president of the United States of America.

During the Palestinian uprising (also called Intifada) against Israelis, the airport was badly damaged and had to be shut down in January 2002. Since its closure, thieves have stolen valuable equipment, including radars, from the site.

Ellinikón International Airport, Greece

The airport, also known as Hellinikon, had once seen 13 million passengers come through it during its final year before shutting down in 2001; however, it is now an empty terminal building. Inaugurated in 1938, Ellinikón Airport initially served as a military base. Later, it became Athens‘ main airport before Athens International Airport replaced it. During the 2004 Summer Olympics, the airport was transformed into a sporting arena and hosted canoe slalom, field hockey, baseball and softball events. The site’s future includes turning the rest of the space into a park and a coastal retreat.

Kai Tak International Airport, Hong Kong

Kai Tak International Airport started its commercial operations in 1936. Located in a challenging setting of mountains and water, the airport earned the nickname ‘Kai Tak Heart Attack’ due to the tricky landings on Victoria Harbor.

After several unsuccessful landings and overcrowding problems, the airport closed in July 1998. The operations shifted to Hong Kong International Airport, which came up on Chek Lap Kok island. The former airport has since been redeveloped and now functions as a cruise ship terminal.

(Hero and feature image credit: LO Kin-hei/Shutterstock)

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