7 Fascinating Disused Airports Around the World for Urban Explorers
Airports are essential infrastructures that connect people and goods from one location to another. However, with time, some airports became obsolete due to various reasons such as economic downturns, natural calamities, or the establishment of more efficient airports in nearby locations. These disused airports have become a fascinating topic for urban explorers who seek adventure and thrill by exploring abandoned places. In this curated content style post, we will explore some of the most interesting disused airports around the world.
1. Berlin Tempelhof Airport – Germany
Built-in 1923 during the Nazi era, Tempelhof airport was once one of Europe’s largest airfields but has been out of use since 2008. It is now open to visitors who can explore its iconic terminal building which was designed by Ernst Sagebiel and served as a symbolic structure for Hitler’s regime.
2. Athens Ellinikon International Airport – Greece
Ellinikon international airport was opened in 1938 but ceased operations in 2001 after being replaced by Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The abandoned airport covers an area of over six million square meters and features old plane wrecks scattered throughout the site.
3. Floyd Bennett Field – New York City
Originally built as a naval air station in 1917, Floyd Bennett Field became New York city’s first municipal airport in 1930 before closing down in 1971 due to financial struggles. Today it serves as a public park where visitors can see historic aircraft exhibits at Hangar B.
4.Western Sydney International (Badgerys Creek) Airport- Australia
Badgerys Creek is a proposed second major airport for Sydney that has been under development since early days but never materialized due to political tussles and environmental concerns.This long-delayed project would be western sydney’s largest infrastructure project creating jobs and opportunities while easing congestion on existing sydney airfields.
5. Kai Tak Airport – Hong Kong
Kai Tak airport was one of the world’s most challenging airports due to its close proximity to residential buildings and mountains that made landings and takeoffs quite dangerous for pilots. The airport closed down in 1998 after being replaced by Chek Lap Kok International Airport. Today, visitors can explore the old runway, control tower, and passenger terminal which have been converted into a sports complex.
6. Meigs Field – Chicago
Meigs Field was a small airport located on Chicago’s lakefront that operated from 1948 until it was controversially shut down by former mayor Richard M Daley in 2003 without any prior notice or warning to the public. In recent years, there have been plans to transform the site into a park but nothing has materialized yet.
7. Don Muang International Airport – Thailand
Don Muang international airport served as Bangkok’s main international gateway until it was replaced by Suvarnabhumi International Airport in 2006.The abandoned terminal building is now used as a museum showcasing historic airplanes including an Air Force One plane that once carried King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In conclusion, disused airports are fascinating places full of history and potential for exploration and adventure. While some like Tempelhof have become symbols of dark periods in history others like Badgerys Creek show how politics can stunt development while places like Floyd Bennett Field offer opportunities for public recreation.These sites serve not only as tourist attractions but also provide valuable insights into how aviation infrastructure has evolved over time with changing needs of society.