8 OLDEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD

8 OLDEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD

Introduction

Europe and the US are home to most of the world’s 8 oldest airports. The world’s 8 oldest airports still in operation.

1. College Park Airport, Maryland, USA.

College Park Airport was founded in 1909 by the Wright brothers, the inventors of airplanes, themselves. 

The Wright brothers used humble College Park Airport to test the aircraft they were developing, including for the United States military. The airport was the site of many important firsts in the history of aviation, including the first military aviation school, the first mile-high flight, and more. 

Commercial flights don’t fly into College Park Airport (It’s too small for that.) but it is still a functional airport for private flights. However, pilots have to pass a background check due to its proximity to the capital.

2. Shoreham Airport, UK

Hugh TrainerShoreham Memorial at Shoreham Airport

Shoreham Airport was founded in 1910, although the first flights didn’t begin until 1911. 

The airport got its start as a training center for civilians wanting to be pilots, but the rapid arrival of World War One meant it had to switch over to becoming a military base. Civilian operations resumed after the war (and were briefly interrupted again by World War Two).

Shoreham Airport is now known as Brighton City Airport, today as it serves the nearby city of Brighton. While you’re there, check out the art deco terminal building, which is protected due to its historic significance.

3. Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport

Besides being number three on this list of oldest airports in the world, Madrid Cuatro Vientos (four winds) is also Spain’s oldest airport and one of three civil airports that serve Madrid. Located 8 km southwest from the city center it has around 35 thousand movements per year primarily focusing on general aviation.

Originally the airport was established as a military air base, until later when it started being used as a civil airport as well. Due to the limited runway length the airport is unsuitable for large airliners, and is mainly used for piston aircraft, medium turboprops and private jets, as well as helicopters.

Part of the airport is still dedicated to the military, as well as being the base for the Spanish Police aircraft and road traffic surveillance helicopters. There is an air and space museum called Museo del Aire located on the grounds.

4. Hamburg Airport, Germany

Hamburg Airport is Germany’s oldest airport and the oldest continuously operating airport in continental Europe. It was opened in 1911.

Hamburg Airport got its start as an airport for zeppelins then branched out into more modern airplanes. 

Despite its age, Hamburg Airport is one of the most modern airports in Germany. Thanks to a massive remodeling plan that renovated the airport between 2001 and 2009, it now has sleek, modern terminals and a regular rail connection to the city.

5. Bucharest Airport Aurel Vlaicu, Romania

In the history of European aviation, people tend to focus on Western Europe. However, one of the oldest airports on the continent is in Romania—Bucharest Airport Aurel Vlaicu gained official airport status in 1912. 

However, airplanes had been landing and taking off from this location since 1909, when the French pilot Louis Blériot organized a private aerodrome on the location. In 1912, the airport became home to Romania’s first flight school.

Aurel Vlaicu was the main international airport in Romania until 1968. Commercial traffic now goes to the newer Henri Coanda International Airport because Aurel Vlaicu is too small to handle international jets, but it still operates for business travel.

6. Bremen Airport, Germany

Bremen Airport is one of the oldest airports in Europe and in Germany. It received official airport status in 1913, although local aviation enthusiasts built it as an airship station in 1909. 

Its early years were full of turbulent changes. At first, it was designed as a station for airships, then as an airport. Then, during World War One, it was taken over for military purposes. In 1920, it began welcoming civilian travelers.

You can still fly into Bremen Airport today, although the tiny airport with just one terminal only welcomes a few million passengers a year.

7. Poznan-Lawica Henryk Wieniawski Airport, Poland

Poland often gets left out on lists marking aviation history. However, its Poznan-Lawica Henryk Wieniawski Airport, opened in 1913 by the German government, is one of the oldest operating airports in the world. 

Many people forget about Poznan’s airport because it was closed to civilian traffic until very recently. From its opening in 1913 to 2009, it only functioned for military flights.

Now Poznan-Lawica Airport welcomes several million civilian passengers a year while still reserving part of the airfield for the military.

8. Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok, Thailand

The history of the world’s oldest airports is dominated by airfields in the United States and Europe. However, one airport stands out—Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok in Thailand—which was founded in 1914. 

Like many of the airports on this list, Don Mueang got its start as a military airfield—in this case, for the Thai Air Force. It began welcoming commercial travelers in 1924.

The historic airport expanded as time went on and remained Thailand’s principal airport until Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2006. It is still the second-busiest airport in Thailand and the premier airport for budget airlines.