Inside the world's creepiest abandoned airports

Airports are typically synonymous with crowds and queues but what happens when they become surplus to requirement? 

All over the world, from a Cyprus hub that has disintegrated over the last five decades to a German base with a Nazi past, there are 'ghost' airports, which have largely been left to decay once the last plane took off. 

While many sites revamp their old buildings when modernisation is needed, other airports close forever... but aren't razed to the ground.  

Stepping inside these old terminals is a 'marie celeste' experience - many of them, with their silent check-in halls and rotting passenger gates, might now make a creepy setting for a horror movie.

Here's our rundown of some of the most ghoulish... 

Nicosia International Airport, Cyprus

With an abandoned passenger plane, desolate terminal and premises in ruin, it's difficult to imagine Nicosia International Airport was once a bustling transport hub.

Today, it's a relic where planes have been left to rot since the site was abandoned in 1974.

Located in the Lakatamia suburb west of Nicosia, Cyprus, there's a derelict terminal, decaying runways and aircraft that have been left untouched for decades.

Originally built in the 1920s as an RAF base, Nicosia International Airport played a crucial role in World War II, serving as a key stopover for military and civilian flights.

By the 1950s and 1960s, it had become a major hub, even attracting Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor.

However, in 1974, Turkey's invasion of Cyprus led to its destruction and abandonment. In 1977 the last commercial airline flight left Nicosia Airport under UN Special Authorisation.

Today, the airport lies within a UN Protected Area and remains largely off-limits to the public.

However, it has become a coveted location for urban explorers seeking a glimpse of history.

With a few letters missing, its large airport sign is still legible, but the only sign of life is the sound of pigeons roosting in the hub's rotting ceiling or the wind blowing.

Kai Tak, Hong Kong

Kai Tak, Hong Kong's former airport until its closure in 1998, was famous for its challenging runway, once considered the most terrifying place in the world to land a plane.

Aircraft would be at a height of just 1,000 feet when the death-defying 'Hong Kong Turn' was made.

For many passengers on planes approaching, the feeling of anxiety became known as the 'Kai Tak Heart Attack.'

Eventually, the Hong Kong authorities opted to build a new airport in 1998. 

On 6 July 1998, the last take-off happened before Hong Kong International Airport took over as the city's main aviation hub - with Kai Tak left unloved...until recently. 

The redeveloped site is now home to a sports and entertainment complex, Kai Tak Sports Park.

The facility, which officially opened in March 2025, includes a 50,000-seat stadium with an indoor arena, retractable roof, youth sports facilities, a shopping mall, and a public promenade along the former runway.

Mirabel International Airport, Montreal, Canada 

Mirabel International Airport, in Montreal, Canada, was set to be the largest travel hub in the world - but plans did not come to fruition.

The Canadian government planned for it to be a huge airport with six runways and six terminals.

In 1969, miles of farmland were cleared to make room, and 10,000 locals were displaced while doing so.

In 1975, it officially opened to the public and millions were expected to fly from it each year.

The project cost C$500m (£225million) at the time, The Guardian reported. However, following a series of setbacks, it didn't prove to be a success.

Firstly, a high-speed train that was supposed to link the hub to the city was never built. Plus, the airport was more than 30 miles away from Montreal - meaning many passengers chose to fly from closer hubs with easier transport links.

On October 31, 2004, commercial operations at the airport ended and the final passenger flight took off.

After years standing empty, the passenger terminal was destroyed in 2016 but the rest of the airport continues to function as a freight hub, aircraft assembly site and aerospace testing facility.

Berlin Tempelhof, Germany 

Tempelhof airport was where Adolf Hitler delivered his famous May Day speech while holding the role of Chancellor.

The airport was rarely used by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War and was largely kept closed - except for ceremonial occasions.

It is best known for the its vital role in the Berlin blockade, where an estimate 4,500 tons of supplies were airlifted into West Germany following the Soviet Union's decision to prevent access.

It was closed as a working airport almost a decade ago. Spanning over 300,000 square metres, the airport has a 1.23km roof which covers the airport's main hangers.

'Hitler's airport' - the iconic Tempelhof in Berlin that is now an abandoned listed building - was later turned into Germany's biggest refugee centre. 

Manston Airport, UK

Manston Airport - previously called Kent International Airport and London Manston Airport - used to offer flights from the UK to popular European destinations such as Portugal and Italy.

Airlines such as the now-defunct carrier Flybe and KLM have previously flown from Manston. 

It has been abandoned since 2014. 

Since then, it has been mainly used as a lorry park - but is now set to reopen.

There is currently no launch date for the new hub, but the first takeoff is aimed for 2029.

Ellinikon International Airport, Athens

Athens’ old international airport is one of the creepiest abandoned terminals in the world, serving as the Greek capital’s main hub for 60 years.

It was seized by the Nazis and used as an air base during the Second World War, and closed in 2001 when Athens International Airport opened.

In 2004 the airfield was converted into a park where a number of events were staged for the Summer Olympics, including field hockey and baseball.

Now, the Ellinikon is an urban redevelopment initiative located on the historic grounds of the former airport.

It's set to become a sustainable new city, with modern living areas, green spaces, and state-of-the-art technology.

Thanks to its location, the city will have panoramic views of the sea and sunsets gracing the Athens Riviera.

According to initial plans, Ellinikon will have contemporary residences, dynamic shopping districts, thriving business centres, entertainment venues, and tranquil retreats.

It is hoped the first phase of developments will be completed between 2027 to 2028.

Yasser Arafat International Airport, Gaza Strip

The Yasser Arafat International Airport lies in ruins after years of war.

Designed by Moroccan architects, it was built in the southern city of Rafah in 1998 with millions of dollars in foreign grants and opened by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and US president Bill Clinton.

Egypt, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany and other European Union countries all contributed. 

Three years later it was closed after Israeli forces bombed parts of the premises during the Second intifada.

Thieves have since stripped the site of valuable equipment.

Ciudad Real Central Airport, Spain

Boasting one of the longest runways in Europe, the airport was built at a cost of €1billion (£860million) during a boom time in Spain.

However, it became a symbol of wasteful spending after it closed in 2012, just four years after opening.

It was once used by budget carriers Ryanair and Vueling Airlines.