Oldest operational airports worldwide: From College Park to Albany

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Oldest operational airports worldwide: From College Park to Albany

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By Sky Industry News

Jan 8, 2025

The aviation industry has witnessed significant growth over the last century, leading to the construction of numerous airports globally. Despite this expansion, some airports have been in operation since the early days of aviation. Here is a look at the world's ten oldest airports still functioning today.

Albany International Airport (ALB), which opened in 1928, ranks as the tenth-oldest airport still operational. It underwent several refurbishments and expansions, most recently constructing a dedicated terminal for Southwest Airlines. The airport handles approximately 2.7 million passengers annually, with Baltimore being its busiest destination.

Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) was established in 1920 and initially named Speedway Field. Renamed multiple times, it now serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines with connections to various long-haul destinations like London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon.

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Sydney Airport (SYD), opened in 1920, is the eighth-oldest airport and Australia's busiest, handling around 40 million passengers annually. It serves as a hub for Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG) opened in 1919 and served as Paris's sole airport until Orly Airport opened in 1932. Today it hosts the Paris Air Show biennially.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), established in 1916 as a military airbase, is now one of the world's busiest airports by international passenger traffic with six runways and a continuous terminal building.

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) also opened in 1916 but shifted commercial operations to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in 1960. It now mainly handles charter flights and low-cost carriers' operations.

Bremen Airport (BRE) started operations in Germany in 1913 and resumed commercial services post-World War I under KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol.

Bucharest Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU), founded by George Valentin Bibescu's flight school in Romania in 1912, served domestic flights before being converted into a business-only airport due to inadequate facilities for growing demands.

Hamburg Airport (HAM), dating back to 1911, underwent extensive renovations between 2001-2009. It's connected to more than 125 destinations across Europe along with long-haul services by Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Finally, College Park Airport (CGS) holds the title of the world's oldest continually operated airport since its opening in August 1909 when Wilbur Wright trained US Army officers there. Its historical significance earns it the nickname "cradle of aviation," though security restrictions were imposed after September 11th attacks due to its proximity to Washington D.C.