Discovering the Past: Exploring Abandoned Airports and Airfields Around the World
Abandoned airports and airfields are intriguing places that beckon urban explorers for a variety of reasons. These relics of the past offer glimpses into an era when air travel was still in its infancy, and they remind us of the progress we’ve made since then. However, these abandoned sites also evoke feelings of nostalgia and melancholy as we imagine what could have been if they had been maintained or repurposed.
One such example is the Berlin-Tempelhof Airport in Germany, which opened in 1923 and served as one of Europe’s busiest airports until 2008. During World War II, it played a vital role as a military airport for both Nazi Germany and Allied forces. After the war ended, it became a civilian airport once again but struggled to compete with newer facilities. Finally, after years of financial losses, it closed its doors for good.
Today, Berlin-Tempelhof Airport stands as an eerie testament to its illustrious past. The terminal building is now used for events and exhibitions while the runways serve as parks where visitors can cycle or rollerblade through old aircraft hangars.
Another fascinating abandoned site is Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York City – America’s first municipal airport that opened back in 1931. It was named after aviator Floyd Bennett who piloted Richard Byrd’s plane across the North Pole in 1926 – making him an American hero at the time. During World War II it became a key base for anti-submarine patrols before being decommissioned by the Navy in 1971.
Floyd Bennett Field has since become part of Gateway National Recreation Area with many buildings left standing intact from its history including hangers used during World War II by naval blimps searching for German U-boats along America’s eastern seaboard.
Moving on to Asia-Pacific region; Japan has several notable abandoned airports due to their shrinking population causing low demand for flights throughout the country. One is Akeno Airfield, located in Mie Prefecture, which was used as a training ground for kamikaze pilots during World War II. Today, it is a popular spot for urban explorers who come to see the derelict barracks and rusting planes left behind.
Another Japanese airport with an intriguing story is Iwo Jima Airport on the tiny island of Iwo To. It played a crucial role in World War II as a base for Japanese fighter planes and saw some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific war. After Japan surrendered, it was taken over by American forces before being returned to Japan in 1968 but has remained abandoned ever since.
In Australia, we find Tocumwal Aerodrome – once known as No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School where Australian airforce pilots were trained during World War II. In its heyday, more than 2000 personnel were stationed here at any one time with up to 100 aircraft parked on site including Lockheed Hudsons and Bristol Beauforts.
After the war ended, Tocumwal continued serving as an airfield until finally being closed in 1985 due to budget cuts within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Since then many of its buildings have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair while other structures have been repurposed such as hangars used now by local farmers for storage.
Another fascinating abandoned airport can be found in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula – El Arish International Airport that opened back in 1942 when British forces occupied Egypt during WWII. After independence from Britain was secured post-war; this airport became part of Egyptian aviation history serving passengers flying between Cairo and Tel Aviv up until it was closed following security concerns after Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza Strip back in 2005.
Today visitors can still explore what remains of El Arish International Airport including its runway which is now used by camels and Bedouin tribes as well as a handful of disused buildings that still stand.
Abandoned airports and airfields offer a unique opportunity to explore history and gain insight into the past. They are also important reminders of how our world has changed over time. While some may have fallen into decay, they continue to hold an allure for those who seek adventure and discovery in unexpected places.