Europe dominates the history of global air travel, hosting seven of the world’s ten oldest airports still in use.
These historic facilities, many of which served strategic roles in World War I and II have evolved over time, blending early aviation heritage with modern development.
Germany alone has two such long-serving airports, while others in the U.S., U.K., and Asia also chart the early rise of global flight.
1. College Park Airport — Maryland, USA (1909)
The world’s oldest continuously operating airport, College Park Airport was built by the Wright brothers to train the first U.S. military pilots. It hosted the first mile-high flight, the first female passenger in a powered aircraft, and today serves as a convenient gateway to Washington, D.C. Its facilities include briefing rooms, fueling, and pilot lounge services.
2. Ljungbyhed Airport — Sweden (1910)
With roots stretching back to 1658 as a military base, Ljungbyhed became an active aviation site in 1910. A flight school was established here in 1915, and today the site is used for aviation training under Lund University. The airport remains one of Sweden’s busiest for landing and takeoff movements.
3. Hamburg Airport — Germany (1911)
Germany’s oldest still-active airport, Hamburg Airport began as an airship base and later took on major military roles during World War I. Now modernized with terminals, roads, and metro access, it serves millions of passengers yearly and connects to over 100 global destinations.
4. Shoreham Airport — United Kingdom (1911)
Operational since 1911, Shoreham Airport is famed for its 1936 Art Deco terminal and its connection to pioneering aviator John Alcock. It played military roles during both world wars and today caters mostly to helicopters, light aircraft, pilot training, and air shows.
5. Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport — Romania (1912)
Known as Băneasa Airport, it is the oldest in Eastern Europe and was Romania’s chief airport until 1965. In 1920, it housed one of the world’s earliest global aviation companies. Its 1952 terminal remains an architectural landmark, though since 2012 the airport has focused mainly on business aviation.
6. Bremen Airport — Germany (1913)
Founded in 1913, Bremen Airport is one of Germany’s earliest aviation hubs and has long supported commercial and flight-training activity. Its historical role includes manufacturing and testing aircraft components, strengthening the region’s aviation industry. Today, it remains an important regional airport.
7. Don Mueang International Airport — Bangkok, Thailand (1914)
Opening in 1914, Don Mueang is among the world’s oldest airports still operating and one of Asia’s earliest. Once a key military base, it’s now a major hub for low-cost carriers serving Bangkok and neighbouring regions. It long served as Thailand’s main airport before Suvarnabhumi Airport opened.
8. Rome Ciampino Airport — Italy (1916)
Established in 1916, Ciampino Airport served the Italian military before transitioning to civilian use. For decades it was Rome’s primary airport, welcoming pioneering flights and early commercial travel. It now handles a mix of commercial, government, and private aviation.
9. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol— Netherlands (1916)
Schiphol began as a military airfield in 1916 before expanding into one of Europe’s most important aviation gateways. Despite heavy destruction during World War II, it was rebuilt into a major international hub. Today, it stands among the busiest airports globally.
10. Paris Le Bourget Airport — France (1919)
Opened in 1919, Le Bourget became famous as the landing site of Charles Lindbergh’s historic 1927 trans-Atlantic flight. For years it was Paris’ main airport before Charles de Gaulle Airport opened. Le Bourget now focuses on business and general aviation and hosts the renowned Paris Air Show.
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