FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Once the bustling gateway to Cyprus, the old Larnaca Airport now stands as a silent sentinel, untouched for over a decade and slowly succumbing to the elements.
The Famagusta Gazette takes you on an exclusive tour of this iconic building as it stands today.
The old airport closed its doors on November 7, 2009, when the new terminal at Larnaca International Airport officially opened.
But its story began much earlier, in the tumultuous days of 1974. Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on July 20, the closure of Nicosia International Airport left the island in desperate need of a new aviation hub.
The site chosen for the new airport had a rich history, having served as an airfield in the 1930s and later as a British military installation.
Larnaca International Airport officially opened on February 8, 1975, with only limited infrastructure and a set of prefabricated buildings for departures and arrivals.
The runway was initially too short for jet aircraft, but the airport quickly became a crucial hub for Cyprus, especially given its proximity to popular seaside resorts.
Today, the old Larnaca Airport presents a stark contrast of neglect and development.
The main terminal building shows significant decay, with broken tiles, damaged ceilings, and vegetation growing through the concrete. However, areas leased to private entities remain well-maintained.
The future of the old airport site remains uncertain, with local authorities pushing for various development options, including logistics facilities, aircraft maintenance expansion, and an airport hotel.