Right now, it can be hard to imagine wandering through a busy international airport, but there are also airports that are extinct. You can get through security, look at the gates, and if you’re adventurous, even see the tracks. We created a list of the most beautiful for you!
Berlin Tempelhof
A great example of an abandoned airport is in Berlin: Tempelhof Airport. A place with a lot of history! It was built by the Nazis during World War I and World War II, but they never used it as an airport. Today, it is used as an event space and you will also find the largest refugee camp in Germany.
Kai Tak International Hong Kong
Formerly known as “Hong Kong International Airport”, Kai Tak Airport is today a cruise terminal, but until 20 years ago it was an… interesting airport! Landing and taking off was not an easy task, as planes had to make a 90 or even 180 degree turn immediately after take off. Landing was quite a challenge, especially in bad weather or typhoon season. Fortunately, now it’s much easier for cruisers!
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Tucson
In Tucson, USA, you’ll find Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, founded in 1925, which was the home of America’s Air Force. Now you will find the Prima Air & Space Museum AND a huge cemetery where more than 4400 (!) vintage aircraft are stored. These include vintage aircraft used in the Cold War and the Vietnam War. You can see them all, but you have to book a tour in advance!
Croydon Airport
Before London Heathrow Airport became London’s main international airport, Croydon Airport existed until its closure in 1959. Between World War I and World War II, Croydon was the United Kingdom’s main and only international airport. It was the first airport with air traffic control and airport terminal. Also, this is where Charles Lindbergh arrived in “Spirit of St. Louis” after completing his first solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. Although most of the old airport has been rebuilt, the old terminal building, the Airport House, and the control tower serve as the visitor center.
Floyd Bennett Field in New York
South of Manhattan, on a peninsula from sea to sea, is Floyd Bennett Field: New York’s first municipal airport, which ceased aviation operations in 1939, when LaGuardia Airport began operations. Since 1972, the United States National Park Service has offered a variety of activities, including camping, archery, hiking, biking, fishing, and much more. There are also vintage planes to admire, this time in a huge hangar!