7 of the world’s eerily abandoned airports
Once bustling hubs whisking happy folk away on well-earned holidays in the sunshine, airport buildings take on an unmistakably creepy feel the moment they are stripped of human life.
Derelict and left to nature’s peril, here we take a look at stories behind some of the world’s abandoned airports.
Croydon Airport, UK
Although today you’d be forgiven for never having heard of it, Croydon was once London’s main airport, outshining the likes of Gatwick or Heathrow.
The airport harks back romantically to the early days of aviation, when road traffic crossing the runway had to be stopped by a man waving a red flag each time a flight wanted to pass through.
Croydon is also famous as being the very first airport with air traffic control. These days however, it sits quiet; an architectural relic of its once thriving past.
Berlin Templehof, Germany
Dating back to 1923, Berlin Templehof once held the highly impressive accolade of being the largest building in the entire world (until the construction of the Pentagon).
Closing to passengers on 31st October 2008, these days the Tempelhof Field is the largest public park in Berlin’s capital, with the airport’s buildings home to many events from fashion shows to giant raves.
Johnston Atoll Airport, USA
Perhaps the most unusual airport on the list, Johnston Atoll – as its name suggests – is built on an atoll or island deep in the Pacific Ocean.
Sitting a few hundred miles south of Hawaii, the airport was once a military air base for the majority of the 20th century until its closure in 2005.
With an underground hospital directly underneath and an attack by Japanese submarines in WWII, this is certainly one airport with a fascinating legacy.
Ciudad Real Central Airport, Spain
Also known as the Don Quijote Airport, Ciudad Real could perhaps also be called a costly mistake. Coming in at around an impressive $1.5 billion to build, the airport was touted as an alternative to nearby Madrid-Barajas.
Sitting just 50 minutes from Madrid by high speed train, it seemed like a dream alternative. However, the dream soon came crashing down when the airport went bust and closed in April 2012, two years after opening.
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
Once Hong Kong’s main airport from its opening in 1925 until its closure in 1998, Kai Tak Airport was put out of business by the opening of nearby Hong Kong International Airport.
Nestled in amongst rugged mountains and high rise buildings, the airport was one of the world’s most notoriously perilous for take-offs and landings – especially track 13 where aeroplanes often had to make 90 or 180 degree turns to be successful.
Nicosia International Airport, Cyprus
From its opening in 1939, Nicosia International Airport was the main airport serving the country of Cyprus. However, activity came to an abrupt halt upon the Turkish invasion in 1974.
These days, the area is partly used as the headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force and is a no-man’s land from which Greeks and Turks are both banned from entering.
Gaza International Airport, Gaza strip
Also known as Yasser Arafat International Airport, this airport once served the Gaza strip in the Palestine territories.
Opening in 1998, the airport saw 700,000 passengers pass through per year until Israel Defense Forces bombed the control tower and radar station just three years later in 2001.
Despite the runway being bulldozed in 2002, the airport staff continued to man the ticket counters and baggage areas until the airport’s eventual closure in 2006.
Article from Hotel Club.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.