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35 Facts About Abandoned Airports

Cora Kirk

Written by Cora Kirk

Published: 15 Oct 2024

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Source: Reddit.com

Ever wondered what happens to airports once they close? Abandoned airports are like time capsules, holding stories of bustling terminals, roaring engines, and countless journeys. These forgotten places often become eerie ghost towns, with overgrown runways and crumbling control towers. Some transform into wildlife havens, while others serve as movie sets or urban exploration spots. Why do airports get abandoned? Reasons range from economic downturns to new, more modern facilities taking their place. Each deserted airport has a unique tale, reflecting the changing dynamics of travel and technology. Ready to uncover some intriguing facts about these silent giants? Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

  • Abandoned airports around the world hold fascinating stories, from military bases turned ghost airports to sites abandoned due to natural disasters and political reasons.
  • Many abandoned airports are being redeveloped into public parks, residential areas, and wildlife refuges, offering new opportunities for these forgotten aviation hubs.
Table of Contents
01Abandoned Airports: A Glimpse into Forgotten Aviation Hubs
02Military Bases Turned Ghost Airports
03Airports Abandoned Due to Natural Disasters
04Airports with Unique Histories
05Airports Abandoned Due to Political Reasons
06Airports with Environmental Issues
07Airports with Future Plans
08The Final Approach

Abandoned Airports: A Glimpse into Forgotten Aviation Hubs

Abandoned airports hold a certain mystique. These once-bustling hubs of activity now stand silent, offering a glimpse into a different era of aviation. Here are some fascinating facts about these forgotten places.

  1. Berlin Tempelhof Airport in Germany was one of the world's oldest commercial airports. It closed in 2008 and is now a public park.

  2. Nicosia International Airport in Cyprus has been abandoned since 1974 due to the Turkish invasion. It remains frozen in time, with planes still on the tarmac.

  3. Ellinikon International Airport in Greece served Athens until 2001. Plans to transform it into a metropolitan park have been slow to materialize.

  4. Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong was famous for its challenging approach. It closed in 1998 and has since been redeveloped into a cruise terminal and commercial area.

  5. Johnston Atoll Airport in the Pacific Ocean was used for military purposes. It was abandoned in 2005 and is now a wildlife refuge.

Military Bases Turned Ghost Airports

Many abandoned airports started as military bases. These sites often have rich histories and unique stories.

  1. RAF Greenham Common in the UK was a key base during the Cold War. It closed in 1992 and is now a public park.

  2. Clark Air Base in the Philippines was abandoned after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. It has since been partially redeveloped.

  3. McChord Air Force Base in Washington was used during World War II. Parts of it are still active, but much of it lies abandoned.

  4. Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois closed in 1993. The site is now a mix of industrial and residential areas.

  5. Richmond Air Force Base in Australia was used during World War II. It closed in 1946 and is now a nature reserve.

Airports Abandoned Due to Natural Disasters

Natural disasters have forced the abandonment of several airports. These events often leave behind eerie, untouched sites.

  1. Yogyakarta Adisucipto Airport in Indonesia was damaged by an earthquake in 2006. A new airport was built, leaving the old one abandoned.

  2. Galveston Scholes International Airport in Texas was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. It remains partially abandoned.

  3. New Orleans Lakefront Airport was flooded during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It has since been partially restored.

  4. St. Thomas Airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands was abandoned after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. A new airport was built nearby.

  5. Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa was damaged by a tsunami in 2009. It remains partially operational but largely abandoned.

Airports with Unique Histories

Some abandoned airports have unique and intriguing histories that set them apart.

  1. Meigs Field in Chicago was famously closed overnight in 2003 by the mayor. The site is now a public park.

  2. Stapleton International Airport in Denver was replaced by Denver International Airport in 1995. The old site is now a residential area.

  3. Floyd Bennett Field in New York City was the city's first municipal airport. It closed in 1971 and is now part of a national park.

  4. Berlin Brandenburg Airport was supposed to replace Berlin's other airports. Construction delays and scandals left it abandoned for years before it finally opened in 2020.

  5. Ciudad Real Central Airport in Spain was a private venture that went bankrupt. It has been abandoned since 2012.

Airports Abandoned Due to Political Reasons

Political events have led to the abandonment of several airports. These sites often remain frozen in time, untouched by modern development.

  1. Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was destroyed by Israeli forces in 2001. It remains abandoned.

  2. Donetsk International Airport in Ukraine was heavily damaged during the conflict with Russia. It has been abandoned since 2014.

  3. Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan was abandoned during the Taliban takeover in 2021. It has since been partially restored.

  4. Luanda International Airport in Angola was abandoned during the civil war. A new airport was built nearby.

  5. Beirut International Airport in Lebanon was abandoned during the civil war. It has since been restored.

Airports with Environmental Issues

Environmental concerns have led to the abandonment of some airports. These sites often face unique challenges.

  1. Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong was closed due to noise pollution. It has since been redeveloped.

  2. Berlin Tempelhof Airport was closed partly due to environmental concerns. It is now a public park.

  3. Johnston Atoll Airport was abandoned due to contamination. It is now a wildlife refuge.

  4. Ellinikon International Airport in Greece was closed partly due to environmental concerns. Plans to transform it into a park have been slow.

  5. Clark Air Base in the Philippines was abandoned due to volcanic ash. It has since been partially redeveloped.

Airports with Future Plans

Some abandoned airports have plans for future redevelopment. These sites hold potential for new uses.

  1. Ellinikon International Airport in Greece is set to become a metropolitan park.

  2. Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong has been redeveloped into a cruise terminal.

  3. Stapleton International Airport in Denver is now a residential area.

  4. Meigs Field in Chicago is now a public park.

  5. Berlin Tempelhof Airport is now a public park with plans for further development.

The Final Approach

Abandoned airports hold a treasure trove of stories. From once-bustling hubs to eerie, deserted landscapes, these places offer a glimpse into history. Some were left behind due to economic shifts, others because of new technology or changing travel patterns. Each has its own unique tale.

Exploring these forgotten airfields can be like stepping back in time. You might find old terminals, rusting planes, or even remnants of past events. They serve as reminders of how quickly things can change.

Next time you pass by an old, unused runway, think about the lives and events that once filled that space. It’s a fascinating part of our world, often overlooked but rich in history. So, keep your eyes open and your curiosity alive. You never know what stories you might uncover in these silent, forgotten places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to airports when they're abandoned?
Often, abandoned airports turn into ghostly spaces, left to the mercy of nature. Over time, runways crack and vegetation takes over, while empty buildings stand as silent witnesses to the past. Sometimes, these sites find new life as parks, business hubs, or even movie sets, depending on their location and condition.
Can you visit these abandoned airports?
Yes and no. Visiting depends on the airport's location, ownership, and safety conditions. Some are on private property, making access tricky without permission. Others might be part of public lands, offering easier access but always check local regulations and safety warnings before exploring.
Why do airports get abandoned?
Reasons vary widely, from economic downturns, wars, and natural disasters to the development of newer, more modern facilities nearby. Sometimes, shifts in travel patterns or the strategic importance of a location change, leaving once-busy hubs without their lifeline.
Are there any famous abandoned airports?
Absolutely! Berlin's Tempelhof is one of the most renowned, once among the world's largest buildings and a hub of activity during the Berlin Airlift. Now, it serves as a massive public park. Others, like Spain's Ciudad Real Central Airport, stand as modern-day ruins, symbols of economic challenges.
What's the oldest abandoned airport?
That's a bit of a toughie, as records can be murky. However, one of the contenders is College Park Airport in Maryland, USA. Founded in 1909, it's not entirely abandoned but holds the title of the world's oldest continuously operating airport, with parts no longer in use.
Do abandoned airports have any environmental impact?
Yes, they can. Abandoned sites may pose environmental risks through leftover fuel, chemicals, or building materials. However, they also offer unique opportunities for regeneration and can become valuable habitats for wildlife or be repurposed into green spaces that benefit the community.
How are abandoned airports repurposed?
Creativity knows no bounds here. Some transform into recreational areas, like parks or sports complexes. Others might become venues for cultural events, residential areas, or even commercial sites. The repurposing process often depends on the surrounding community's needs and the site's potential.

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