The 10 oldest European airports still in operation

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The 10 oldest European airports still in operation

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Copenhagen Airport | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 4, 2025

Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.

Copenhagen Airport, established in 1925, ranks as one of the world's first civil airports. Initially known as Kastrup Airport due to its location, the airport has grown to become the primary international hub in Denmark. According to the airport, it featured an "imposing wooden barracks as the main terminal building and many spectators watching the few planes take off and land." It stands today as the busiest airport in the Nordic countries.

Geneva Airport in Switzerland first entered operations in 1919, as sanctioned by the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. Arena Park highlights its early service starting in 1922, with noted flights, such as Lufthansa's from Berlin to Barcelona with a stopover in Geneva. Known locally as 'Cointrin Airport,' it remains a significant international entry point to Switzerland.

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Paris-Le Bourget Airport in France, originating in 1919, played a vital role in aviation history when Charles Lindbergh landed there in 1927. Initially opened due to wartime needs, it is no longer a base for commercial scheduled services but is used for general aviation and air shows.

Finland's Lappeenranta Airport dates back to 1918. During its initial establishment, it served as a military base during Finland's civil strife. Now, it stands as the oldest operational airport in Finland.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands traces its roots to 1916 when it was founded as a military base. Now, it's the main airport of the Netherlands and is noted for its extensive operations and diverse airline service, including major US carriers.

Ciampino International Airport in Italy, opened in 1916, originally served military purposes during World War I. Currently, it functions as a secondary airport for Rome, facilitating low-cost airlines and maintaining military operations.

Poland's Poznan–Lawica Henryk Wieniawski Airport, operational since 1913, was initially built by the German Empire as a military airfield. Post-World War I, it transitioned to a commercial airport, hosting around 12 airlines today.

Bremen Airport in Germany, formalized in 1913, began as an airship base and remains a point of commercial flights within the region. Its early support for airship travel marks it as one of Europe's oldest aerodromes.

Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu Airport in Romania, with operations starting in 1912, was pivotal until 1969 as Bucharest’s only commercial airport. While it primarily serves business flights today, low-cost carriers like Wizz Air plan to resume operations in 2025.

Hamburg Airport, established in 1911, claims the title of the oldest airport in Europe still in operation. A cornerstone in Germany's air transport history, it supports significant passenger traffic and continues to spearhead environmental sustainability measures.