Europe continues to dominate the history of air travel, with seven of the world’s ten oldest airports still active today. These historic airfields, many of which played vital roles during World War I and II, have transformed over the years—merging early aviation heritage with modern facilities and technology.
Germany notably has two on the list, while others are located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia, representing the global rise of aviation.
1. College Park Airport — Maryland, USA (1909)
Recognised as the world’s oldest continually operating airport, College Park Airport was built by the Wright brothers to train America’s first military pilots. It hosted milestones such as the first mile-high flight and the first woman passenger in a powered aircraft. Today, it offers pilot lounges, fueling stations, and briefing rooms, serving as a convenient airstrip near Washington, D.C.
2. Ljungbyhed Airport — Sweden (1910)
Originally a military base dating back to 1658, Ljungbyhed became an aviation hub in 1910. By 1915, it had opened a flight school and remains one of Sweden’s most active airports for takeoffs and landings. It now serves as an aviation training centre affiliated with Lund University.
3. Hamburg Airport — Germany (1911)
The oldest still-functioning airport in Germany, Hamburg Airport, began as an airship base before serving key roles during World War I. It has since evolved into a modern airport with rail, metro, and road connections, handling millions of passengers and over 100 destinations worldwide each year.
4. Shoreham Airport — United Kingdom (1911)
In operation since 1911, Shoreham Airport is noted for its 1936 Art Deco terminal and links to aviation pioneer John Alcock. It served military purposes during both world wars and now supports helicopter services, flight training, light aircraft, and air shows.
5. Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport — Romania (1912)
Also known as Băneasa Airport, it is Eastern Europe’s oldest operational airport. Once Romania’s main gateway until 1965, it hosted one of the earliest global airlines in 1920. Its 1952 terminal remains a national landmark, and since 2012, it has specialised in business aviation.
6. Bremen Airport — Germany (1913)
Established in 1913, Bremen Airport was one of Germany’s pioneering aviation centres. Beyond passenger and training flights, it contributed significantly to aircraft manufacturing and testing. It remains a key regional airport supporting both travel and industry.
7. Don Mueang International Airport — Bangkok, Thailand (1914)
Opened in 1914, Don Mueang is one of Asia’s oldest airports still running. It initially served as a military airbase before becoming a hub for commercial and low-cost flights in Bangkok. It was Thailand’s main airport until Suvarnabhumi took over in 2006.
8. Rome Ciampino Airport — Italy (1916)
Ciampino Airport started as a military base during World War I before becoming Rome’s primary civilian airport. It hosted early commercial flights and now handles government, charter, and private aviation, remaining a vital part of Italy’s aviation landscape.
9. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — Netherlands (1916)
Schiphol began as a military airfield and was later rebuilt after World War II into one of Europe’s busiest airports. Today, it stands as a major global hub, connecting millions of travellers annually across continents.
10. Paris Le Bourget Airport — France (1919)
Le Bourget, opened in 1919, is best known as the landing site of Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927. It served as Paris’s main airport for decades before Charles de Gaulle Airport took over. Today, Le Bourget caters mainly to business and private jets and hosts the world-famous Paris Air Show.
