Nostalgic Airports Around the World That Are Now Completely Abandoned
Newer airports, wars, bad design, and financial miscalculations are some of the reasons we have so many abandoned airports around the world. They sit empty, their runways cracked, and terminals gathering dust. Some were once packed with travelers, while others never got the chance to take off.
A few have found new life, repurposed for different uses. But most remain frozen in time, reminding us of how quickly the world moves on. Who knows which airports will be next to join this list? For now, let’s explore 15 nostalgic airports that are now completely abandoned.
Nicosia International Airport, Cyprus
Credit: flickr
Nicosia International Airport was the main airport in Cyprus until 1974. That year, political conflict between Greek and Turkish forces led to its closure. Today, it sits in a United Nations buffer zone, completely neglected and untouched for decades.
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This airport was known for its terrifying landings over the densely packed city. However, Kai Tak was also one of the world’s most famous airports for the same reason. It closed in 1998 when Hong Kong International Airport opened. While much of the old airport has been redeveloped, some runways still exist.
Ciudad Real Central Airport, Spain
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ciudad Real was meant to be Spain’s next big airport, but it never took off. Opened in 2009, it failed to attract enough passengers and closed just three years later. Today, the enormous empty terminal and unused runways sit idle, serving an example of what financial miscalculations look like.
Ellinikon International Airport, Greece
Credit: flickr
Ellinikon was Athens’ primary airport until it was replaced by a newer facility. It was closed down in 2001 but the site was later used for the 2004 Olympic Games. Since then, it has fallen into complete disrepair. The old runways are now covered in weeds, and the once-busy terminals stand empty.
Jaisalmer Airport, India
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The purpose of building Jaisalmer Airport in 2013 was to boost tourism in the region. But despite its modern design, the airport never saw regular commercial flights. It remains unused, with empty gates and unused facilities. The airfield is still maintained, but the terminal sits eerily quiet.
Sukhumi Babushara Airport, Abkhazia
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rusting planes, crumbling infrastructure, and neglected control towers tell the story of a place that once thrived but is now left to decay. The Sukhumi airport was once a vital link for the Soviet Union. However, during the early 1990s, conflict in Abkhazia left the airport heavily damaged. It has never reopened.
Floyd Bennett Field, USA
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
New York City’s first municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field, opened in 1931. It was an important aviation hub before LaGuardia and JFK took over. By 1971, it closed and became part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Today, it’s only left with old hangars and runways remain.
Croydon Airport, UK
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Croydon was London’s first international airport, operating from 1920 to 1959. It played a major role in early aviation and was one of the first places to introduce air traffic control. After closing, parts of the terminal were preserved, but most of the site is now a business park.
Berlin Tempelhof Airport, Germany
Credit: flickr
Berlin Tempelhof played a key role in the famous Berlin Airlift of 1948–1949. It officially closed in 2008 and has since been turned into a massive public park. The old runways are now used for biking and jogging, while the main terminal stands as a historic landmark of Berlin’s aviation history.
Gander International Airport, Canada
Credit: flickr
Gander International Airport was once one of the busiest refueling stops for transatlantic flights. It played a major role during World War II and later became famous for welcoming stranded travelers during the 9/11 attacks. However, with advancements in aviation technology, most flights now bypass Gander, leaving much of the airport largely unused.
Stapleton International Airport, USA
Credit: Youtube
Stapleton was used as the only airport in Denver until 1995. When Denver International Airport opened, this former site was abandoned as an airport. Later, most of the area was redeveloped into housing. However, remnants of the old airport still exist, including parts of the runway, which now serve as streets in the new neighborhood.
Johnston Atoll Airport, Pacific Ocean
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This remote airport was once used by the U.S. military. It was crucial for Cold War operations but was shut down in 2005. Now, the island is a wildlife refuge, and the airstrip is slowly being reclaimed by nature. The runway still stands though.
Meigs Field, USA
Credit: Youtube
Meigs Field was a small airport in Chicago mainly used by private planes. In 2003, it was suddenly shut down, and its runway was destroyed overnight. Today, the land has been converted into a public park, but local pilots still remember the site.
Stapleford Aerodrome, UK
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This once-busy airfield was later repurposed as a private flying club. Although it was no longer a commercial airport, it still has an active runway for small aircraft. Stapleford Aerodrome serves as a reminder of aviation’s golden era while continuing to host limited flight operations.
Galeville Military Airport, USA
Credit: iStockphoto
Located in New York, this airfield was used during World War II but was later decommissioned. Now, it is part of the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. The runways and control towers are long gone, replaced by open fields and migrating birds.
