See list of top 10 oldest airports in the world

Airports are more than just terminals and runways, they are living museums of human ambition, technological progress, and global connection.

Long before air travel became routine, a handful of pioneering airports laid the foundation for the modern aviation industry.

Many of them, conceived during the infancy of flight, continue to operate today, bearing witness to over a century of aviation evolution.

Europe stands out as the heartland of aviation heritage, home to seven of the ten oldest airports still in use.

From airship bases and military outposts to bustling international hubs, these sites tell the story of how aviation transformed from experimental adventure to a cornerstone of global travel.

Germany alone boasts two such historic facilities, while early aviation pioneers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia also played defining roles in shaping the skies.

Here’s a detailed look at top oldest airports in the world:

1. College Park Airport — Maryland, USA (1909)

Recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating airport, College Park Airport in Maryland was established by the Wright brothers to train America’s first military aviators.

The site became a cradle of aviation innovation, hosting milestones such as the first mile-high flight and the first woman passenger in a powered aircraft.

Today, it continues to serve as a general aviation airport near Washington, D.C., complete with pilot lounges, briefing rooms, and fueling services, preserving over a century of flight history.

2. Ljungbyhed Airport — Sweden (1910)

Dating back to 1658 as a military base and formally active in aviation from 1910, Ljungbyhed Airport stands as one of the oldest airfields in continuous use.

It became the home of Sweden’s first flight school in 1915 and has remained integral to aviation training ever since.

Now operated by Lund University, Ljungbyhed remains one of Sweden’s busiest airports for flight movements, blending academic training with national heritage.

3. Hamburg Airport — Germany (1911)

Hamburg Airport is Germany’s oldest still-operating airport, first serving as an airship base before transitioning to airplanes.

During World War I, it became a key military facility, later transforming into a vital commercial hub.

A modern $370 million renovation between 2001 and 2009 turned Hamburg Airport into a sleek, efficient gateway linking more than 125 destinations worldwide.

Today, it continues to serve millions of passengers each year, reflecting both its deep history and modern capability.

4. Shoreham Airport — United Kingdom (1911)

Opened in 1911, Shoreham Airport now officially known as Brighton City Airport embodies Britain’s early aviation legacy.

Its striking 1936 Art Deco terminal remains one of the architectural gems of European aviation.

Used for military operations during both World Wars, Shoreham is now a vibrant general aviation hub supporting light aircraft, flight training, and air shows, ensuring its skies remain busy more than a century later.

5. Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport — Romania (1912)

Also known as Băneasa Airport, this facility is the oldest in Eastern Europe.

Founded in 1912, it became the center of Romanian aviation and was the country’s main airport until 1965.

It housed one of the world’s earliest international aviation companies in 1920 and boasts a remarkable 1952 terminal building that stands as a heritage landmark.

Since 2012, it has shifted focus to business and private flights, preserving its vintage charm.

6. Bremen Airport — Germany (1913)

Established in 1913, Bremen Airport played an important role in developing Germany’s early aviation industry.

Initially used for aircraft testing and manufacturing, it evolved into a center for commercial flight and training.

Despite interruptions during both World Wars, Bremen regained prominence in the 1950s with Lufthansa’s expansion.

Today, it handles millions of passengers annually and remains an essential regional airport in northern Germany.

7. Don Mueang International Airport — Bangkok, Thailand (1914)

Asia’s oldest airport, Don Mueang International, began operations in 1914 as a Royal Thai Air Force base.

It became a commercial gateway in 1924 and remained Thailand’s main international airport until 2006.

Today, Don Mueang serves as a bustling hub for low-cost carriers such as Thai AirAsia and Nok Air, connecting Bangkok to the rest of Asia.

Its seamless blend of history and modern utility makes it a symbol of Thailand’s enduring aviation spirit.

8. Rome Ciampino Airport — Italy (1916)

Founded in 1916, Rome Ciampino Airport once served as the city’s principal aviation gateway.

It witnessed some of the earliest trans-European commercial flights and Italy’s first intercontinental services.

After Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport opened in 1960, Ciampino transitioned to serve charter, private, and later low-cost airline operations.

Today, it remains a crucial facility for budget carriers while preserving its storied military and civil past.

9. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — Netherlands (1916)

Originally established as a military airfield during World War I, Amsterdam Schiphol evolved into one of Europe’s busiest and most efficient airports.

Despite being destroyed during World War II, it was rapidly rebuilt and expanded, emerging as a model of modern airport design.

With its single-terminal layout and six runways, Schiphol now serves over 60 million passengers annually, connecting the Netherlands to nearly every corner of the globe.

10. Paris Le Bourget Airport — France (1919)

Opened in 1919, Paris Le Bourget Airport holds a special place in aviation history as the landing site of Charles Lindbergh’s famous solo transatlantic flight in 1927.

Once Paris’s main international gateway, it transitioned to business and general aviation after Charles de Gaulle Airport opened.

Today, Le Bourget is best known for hosting the Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace exhibition, keeping its pioneering spirit alive.