Exploring Abandoned Airports Lost To Time
By Jack Ripley | April 4, 2024
An Airport With a View of the Black Sea: Sukhumi Babushara Airport in Abkhazia
Embark on a journey through the forgotten corridors and runways of abandoned airports, where echoes of the past whisper stories waiting to be discovered. Once bustling hubs of travel and connection, these silent spaces now stand as poignant reminders of a different era. From the haunting remnants of Nicosia International Airport, frozen in time amidst conflict, to the storied grounds of Tempelhof Airport, witness to the resilience of a city, each abandoned airport offers a window into history's mysteries.
Sukhumi Babushara Airport is located in Abkhazia, which is a disputed territory on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. Originally established during the Soviet era, the airport was an important transportation center for the Abkhazian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The airport boasted a picturesque coastline of the Black Sea, offering travelers breathtaking views during takeoff and landing.
The last commercial flight from Sukhumi Babushara Airport was in 1993, during the outbreak of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. This conflict, which resulted in Abkhazia's gaining independence from Georgia, led to the airport's abandonment. It closed due to damage sustained during the conflict. Efforts to reopen or renovate the airport have stalled because of ongoing tensions between Abkhazian separatists and the Georgian government as well as limited international recognition of Abkhazia's independence.
The Airport With an Underground Complex: the Željava Airbase in Croatia and Bosnia/Herzegovina
The Željava Airbase is on the border between Croatia and Bosnia/Herzegovina, and it opened in the 1950s. Originally built by the Yugoslav People's Army, Željava was one of the largest and most secretive military airbases in Europe during the Cold War. The airport also had an underground complex, which consisted of tunnels, hangars, and living quarters hidden beneath the surface of the mountain. This complex was designed to withstand nuclear attacks and housed aircraft, weapons, and supplies in the event of a conflict.
The last flight from Željava Airbase was in 1992, during the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian War. The airbase was abandoned due to the conflict, which led to the dissolution of the Yugoslav People's Army and the division of military assets among successor states.
Despite its abandonment, the underground complex is largely untouched, attracting curiosity seekers and urban explorers. Efforts to repurpose the site have been limited due to its remote location, however.
An Airport Overcome by a Volcano and War: Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Goma Airport, situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was originally built during Belgian colonial rule. The airport connected Goma city to other parts of the country. The airport is close to the Nyiragongo volcano, which has erupted multiple times over the years, including a major eruption in 2002 that caused devastation in Goma and led to the temporary closure of the airport. The airport temporarily closed in 2012 due to internal conflict and again (permanently) in November of 2022.
Today, there are still damaged planes left over from either the conflict or the volcano. Children now use it as a playground, and some people sell various parts from the abandoned airplanes.
A United States Invasion Turns the Lights Off at Pearls Airport in Grenada
Pearls Airport, on the Caribbean island of Grenada, has a history marked by ambition, setbacks, and ultimately abandonment. Built in the 1980s with assistance from Cuba and Libya, Pearls Airport was intended to replace the aging and smaller Point Salines International Airport. It was supposed to be a modern airport that would help Grenada's tourism industry.
The airport's design was ambitious. It included a 9,000-foot runway capable of accommodating large international aircraft. However, despite its promising start, Pearls Airport faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and political instability.
The last flight from Pearls Airport took place in 1983, just three years after its opening. This abrupt closure was a result of the United States-led invasion of Grenada in response to political turmoil on the island. The airport was subsequently abandoned, left to decay.
The Airport That Keeps Growing: Zvartnots in Armenia
Zvartnots International Airport, located near the Armenian capital of Yerevan, opened in 1961. Originally built during the Soviet era, Zvartnots was Armenia's main airport. The airport had a distinctive architectural design, characterized by its unique circular terminal building. Designed by architect Baghdasar Arzoumanian, the terminal's futuristic style earned it recognition as one of the architectural landmarks of Soviet-era Armenia. The airport was renovated in the 1980s.
Zvartnots International Airport still has commercial flights to this day, and it serves as Armenia's main international airport. In fact, as of December 2019, the annual number of passengers flowing in and out of the airport exceeded 3 million. In 2023, the annual number of passengers exceeded 5 million.
The Airport Split by Two Territories: Nicosia Airport in Cyprus
The Nicosia Airport in Nicosia began as a military airfield established by the British Royal Air Force in the 1930s. Over time, it developed into a commercial airport, becoming Cyprus' main international gateway. The Green Line, which divided Greek Cypriot in the south and Turkish Cypriot in the north, cuts through the airport. This division led to the airport's abandonment, as it fell within the UN-controlled buffer zone, making it inaccessible for commercial flights.
The last commercial flight departed from Nicosia Airport on July 20, 1974, right before Turkey invaded Cyprus. Following the invasion and division of the island, attempts to reopen the airport or negotiate its status as a shared facility between Greek and Turkish Cypriots failed due to political differences. Despite proposals for redeveloping the airport, including as a museum or reopening for flights, the airport remains abandoned.
The 2004 Olympic Games Closes the Hellenikon International Airport in Greece
Hellenikon International Airport in Athens, Greece, has a rich history dating back to its beginnings in 1938. Originally built as a military airfield, it was an important airport during World War II. Later, it was turned into a civilian airport after the war. Over the decades, Hellenikon grew to become Greece's main international airport. The last commercial flight from Hellenikon International Airport was on March 28, 2001. The closure of the airport was part of Greece's plan to replace Hellenikon with the new Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, which opened in 2001. The new airport was built to support the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. The decision to abandon Hellenikon was due to several factors, including its limited capacity and the need for modern infrastructure to meet growing aviation demands.
The Palestinian's Brief Airport in Gaza: the Yasser Arafat International Airport
Yasser Arafat International Airport was opened in 1998 in the Gaza Strip to give Palestinians more control over their area and make it easier for them to travel. The airport was the first and only airport in the Gaza Strip. It had a modern terminal building, runway, and air traffic control tower, capable of handling both domestic and international flights.
The last flight departed from Yasser Arafat International Airport on October 8, 2000, because of increased violence and tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The airport's abandonment was a result of the Second Intifada, a period of intense conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.
The airport's demise was further solidified during the Israeli military incursions and subsequent blockade of Gaza, which severely limited its operational capacity. Today, the airport stands largely abandoned and in ruins.
The Central Airport in Spain That Was Marred With Difficulties From the Beginning
Ciudad Real Central Airport in the city of Ciudad Real, Spain, opened in 2009. The plan was that it would become a major international airport serving the region of Castilla-La Mancha and beyond. Built with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, the airport was a major investment in Spain's transportation network. The airport also had a high-speed train connection, making it more convenient to travel to Madrid and other major cities in Spain.
The last flight departed from Ciudad Real Central Airport on April 13, 2012, marking the end of its brief operational history. The airport faced financial difficulties from the beginning, struggling to attract enough airline traffic to keep it running. Eventually, this led to its closure and abandonment. Despite efforts to revive the airport, including proposals for its conversion into an industrial park or logistics center, Ciudad Real Central remains largely deserted.
The Infamous Kai Tak Heart Attack Turn Ends in 1998
Kai Tak International Airport in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, was the primary airport for the city for over seven decades. Opened in 1925 as a simple grass strip, Kai Tak underwent expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing air traffic demand in the region.
One of the most notable features of Kai Tak was its challenging approach. Pilots had to navigate a breathtaking descent amidst densely populated urban areas and negotiate the infamous "Kai Tak Heart Attack" turn before landing. This approach made Kai Tak one of the most iconic and memorable airports in the world among aviation enthusiasts.
The last commercial flight from Kai Tak International Airport took place on July 6, 1998, marking the end of an era in Hong Kong's aviation history. The closure of Kai Tak was primarily due to its inability to handle larger modern aircraft. Moreover, it was in the center of an urban environment, which made expansion difficult. In addition, the opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok in 1998 provided a modern alternative with greater capacity. This led to the eventual abandonment of Kai Tak.
An Airport Immersed in Conflict: the Sergey Prokofiev International Airport in Ukraine
Formerly known as Donetsk International Airport, the Sergey Prokofiev International Airport used to be a major airport serving the city of Donetsk, Ukraine. The airport boasted a modern terminal building and facilities.
The last commercial flight from Sergey Prokofiev International Airport took place during the Ukrainian crisis. As conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine in 2014, the airport became the center of heavy fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatist groups. Despite fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops, the airport was eventually seized by separatist forces in January 2015, leading to its abandonment and destruction.
Despite some discussions about rebuilding or reopening the airport, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its location near Russia have prevented any meaningful progress toward its restoration.
Environmental Concerns Close the Johnston Atoll Airport
Johnston Atoll Airport, located in the central Pacific Ocean, was a crucial military installation for the United States during the 20th century. Originally established as a naval air station in the early 1940s, the airport played a rather large role during World War II and the Cold War, serving as a refueling stop for military aircraft and a base for operations. The airport was situated in a remote location on Johnston Atoll, an uninhabited coral reef with no indigenous population. Despite its isolation, the airport supported a variety of military activities, including nuclear testing and missile defense operations.
The last flight from Johnston Atoll Airport was in 2005 when the United States Department of Defense officially closed the military installation. The decision to abandon the airport and withdraw military personnel was mainly due to environmental concerns, including contamination from hazardous materials and the need to restore the ecosystem in the area. Today, the airport remains abandoned, its runway cracked and overgrown.
An Ambitious Project in an Inconvenient Location: Mirabel International Airport
Mirabel International Airport in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, opened in 1975 with grand ambitions. It was built to help with the congestion at Montreal's existing Dorval Airport. The airport was immense, covering an area larger than the island of Manhattan, and its terminal building featured unique design elements and spacious facilities.
The last commercial flight from Mirabel International Airport was on October 31, 2004. The closure was a result of several factors, including an inconvenient location and competition from other airports in the region, such as Montreal's Trudeau International Airport.
Despite initial optimism, Mirabel struggled to attract enough airline traffic, leading to its gradual decline and eventual abandonment as a passenger airport. Today, the terminal building remains largely unused, serving occasional charter and cargo flights, while the surrounding land has been repurposed for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Access to a Culturally Rich Region Goes Dark: Jaisalmer Airport in India
Jaisalmer Airport, in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India, was built to improve air traffic to the historic city of Jaisalmer, known for its forts and desert landscapes. The airport opened in 2013 to boost tourism and provide easier access to the culturally rich region. The airport blended modern design elements with traditional Rajasthani aesthetics, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The last commercial flight was before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The Indian government suspended all flights to help prevent the spread of the virus. After the pandemic subsided, the government attempted to revive domestic and international flights. However, news media announced in April of 2023 that the airport would be closing permanently due to reduced tourist flow. The last flight took off for Delhi on April 14, 2023.
The Royal Naval Air Station Manston Closes Its Doors in 2014
Manston Airport, in Kent, England, has a rich history dating back to its establishment as an RAF airfield during World War I. Originally known as Royal Naval Air Station Manston, it played an important role in defending Britain during the Battle of Britain in World War II. After the war, it became a civilian airport. The airport is located near the English Channel, making it an important gateway for cross-Channel freight and passenger traffic. Due to financial difficulties, however, the airport closed its doors. The last commercial flight from Manston Airport was in April 2014. Despite efforts to revive the airport, including proposals for redevelopment and expansion, it remained closed. The abandonment of Manston Airport was mainly due to economic difficulties, including declining passenger numbers and increased competition from nearby airports.
Take a Tour of an Old German Airport: the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin
Tempelhof Airport, located in Berlin, Germany, has a fascinating history dating back to its opening in 1923. The airport boasts a hexagonal-shaped terminal building, which became a symbol of Berlin's aviation heritage.
The airport's last flight was in 2008. Tempelhof was abandoned due to several reasons, including its outdated infrastructure and the opening of other airports in Berlin. There were also concerns over noise pollution and urban development in the surrounding area.
Despite its closure, Tempelhof remains a historic landmark in Berlin, attracting visitors interested in its unique architecture and its role in shaping the city's history. There are public tours daily, except Tuesday. In addition, the airport's vast open space has been redesigned as a public park, offering recreational activities such as cycling, skating, and kite-flying.
Brooklyn's Only Major Airport: Floyd Bennett Field
Floyd Bennett Field, located in Brooklyn, New York, opened in 1931. Named after the famed aviator Floyd Bennett, it was New York City's first municipal airport. The airport was a major airport for aviation giants, such as Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, who used it as a base for their record-breaking flights.
The airport's last flight was in 1971. It was abandoned due to several factors, including the expansion of nearby airports like JFK and LaGuardia, which could accommodate larger aircraft and handle growing air traffic. Environmental concerns and the need for space for recreational activities were additional reasons the airport closed. Despite its closure, Floyd Bennett Field remains a historic site within the Gateway National Recreation Area, offering visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing, and hiking.
A Military Airport, a Racetrack, and a Music Festival Venue
The Old Daber Airfield in Germany (also known as Wittstock Air Base) dates back to World War II. Originally built as a military airfield for the German Luftwaffe, it was an important airport for Germany's military aircraft. The airfield's last flight took place in the mid-20th century. The Old Daber Airfield was abandoned due to several reasons, including changes in military strategies and technological advancements that made it obsolete. Moreover, after the war, the airfield's infrastructure was taken apart.
After the airport was abandoned, the area was used as a race track. However, the natural vegetation started to take over the space. It was then used to hold music festivals. Today, the Old Daber Airfield is a historic site, with remnants of its runway and buildings still visible. The surrounding area is used for agricultural and recreational purposes, with some parts used for nature conservation.
Stapleton International Airport Reinvents Itself
Denver's Stapleton International Airport opened in 1929, and it served as Denver's main airport for over six decades. The airport was named after Benjamin Stapleton, a former mayor of Denver. Over the years, Stapleton International Airport became one of the busiest airports in the United States, with a reputation for its efficient operations and modern facilities. It served as a hub for major airlines, connecting Denver to destinations across the country and around the world.
The airport was abandoned due to several reasons, including its limited capacity to handle the increasing air traffic demand and the need for modernization to comply with Federal Aviation Administration standards. The last commercial flight from Stapleton International Airport was on February 27, 1995. Today, the site has been redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use community known as Stapleton, and the former airport's runways and terminal buildings have been replaced by residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial spaces.
The Airport That Changed Names Eight Times: Croydon Airport in London
London's Croydon Airport opened in 1920. It was used as an airfield for military purposes during World War I before transitioning to a passenger airport after the war. The airport changed names eight times before finally closing in 1959. The airport was abandoned because of its limited capacity to handle larger modern aircraft. There was also competition from other major airports in London, namely Heathrow and Gatwick, which could accommodate growing air traffic demand more effectively.
Today, the site of Croydon Airport has been redeveloped for other purposes, but remnants of its aviation heritage remain, including parts of the original terminal building. In 1978, England categorized the airport as a Grade II listed building. However, since then, the airport has fallen into disrepair and England has re-categorized it as a Heritage at Risk building.
