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From a military base to a civilian airport and finally an abandoned site, Ellinikon holds traces of its history and decommissioned aircraft, including the iconic Olympic Airways Boeing 747
Greece is a country full of mysteries and historical places, but few imagine that among these treasures there is an airport that was once the heart of Greek aviation: the Hellenikon Airport. Located on the southern coast of Athens, Hellenikon — which means “the Greek” — is steeped in decades of history. It was the capital’s first international airport and a major entry point for millions of tourists seeking to explore the sun, sea and ancient ruins of Greece.
Today, the Hellenikon’s history echoes from its abandoned walls and parked planes, telling a rich yet melancholic tale of a bygone era. We explore its journey, from its heyday to its current state, and the plans for a rebirth that could finally breathe new life into this forgotten landmark.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
A golden age for Greek aviation
Hellenikon was opened in the late 1930s, when aviation in Greece was still in its infancy. During World War II, the site was occupied by Axis forces and became a strategic air base for the Luftwaffe, suffering from Allied air raids.
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After the conflict, the airport underwent a series of renovations and, in 1950, it consolidated itself as the main airport in Greece.
In the 1960s, with tourism growing rapidly, Greece saw Hellenikon as an opportunity to expand its global reach. Architect Eero Saarinen, known for his futuristic vision, designed the airport’s East Terminal, an icon of modern architecture.
At the West Terminal, Olympic Airways (OA), founded by tycoon Aristotle Onassis, operated its exclusive routes, raising the bar for luxury in air travel with its flight attendants dressed in uniforms by famous designers such as Coco Chanel and Pierre Cardin.
Hellenikon was the gateway for celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Neil Armstrong, and became a symbol of the golden age of Greek aviation. OA offered an unparalleled in-flight service, which included meals on porcelain and gold cutlery, delighting all its passengers.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
The decline of Hellenikon
By the 1990s, Hellenikon could no longer cope with the increasing demand from tourism. With over 10 million passengers annually, the airport was facing infrastructure problems and frequent delays. In 2001, Hellenikon was replaced by Athens International Airport, a more modern hub capable of accommodating the growing number of travelers. After years of debate, Hellenikon ceased operations, falling into disrepair and ruin.
In 2004, during the Athens Olympic Games, parts of the complex were revitalized and transformed to host sporting events such as baseball and fencing. However, temporary use and lack of maintenance soon led to abandonment again, and the site began to deteriorate.
The 2008 financial crisis and bureaucratic disputes over the future use of the land brought reconstruction to a standstill, and Hellenikon was eventually forgotten.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
An ambitious reconstruction project
After a decade of negotiations, in 2014, a consortium of investors has signed a €915 million deal with the Greek government to transform the Hellenikon site into one of Europe's largest entertainment complexes.
The project includes luxury hotels and apartments, shopping malls, a park and even a casino. Despite promises of revitalization, political opposition and bureaucratic issues have delayed the start of construction. artworks.
In 2020, the Greek government announced that it would finally begin demolishing the old structures. However, historic parts of the complex will be preserved, including the Saarinen-designed East Terminal.
This dilapidated terminal, covered in rubble and hanging wires, contrasts with the grandeur of the plans for the future, but carries with it the memory of a time when the airport was pulsing with life.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
The Legacy of Olympic Airways
Part of Hellenikon's legacy is intrinsically linked to Olympic Airways. Founded by Onassis in 1957, OA was responsible for putting Greece on the global tourism scene. The company connected Athens to several international destinations, standing out for its luxury service and its contribution to Greece's image as a prestigious tourist destination.
After the death of Onassis's son Alexander in a tragic accident in 1973, OA faced a period of decline. In 1975, Onassis sold the company to the Greek state, which ran the company until 2009. However, financial challenges and mismanagement led to its closure.
The memory of OA and Hellenikon will live on in a museum that will be built as part of the revitalization project. This museum will house a collection of 23.000 items documenting the history of civil aviation in Greece and the trajectory of OA, as well as seven aircraft, including the famous Boeing 747-200B Jumbo that operated the Athens-New York route.
Airport update
In 2024, the former Hellenikon Airport, located on the southern coast of Athens, continues to undergo a significant transformation. The site is being converted into the Ellinikon, an ambitious urban development project that aims to revitalize the area and boost the Greek economy.
Ellinikon is considered the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, covering approximately 6,2 million square meters. The development includes a variety of facilities such as luxury residences, offices, hotels, shopping centers, cultural spaces and an extensive metropolitan park. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
- Riviera Tower: Set to be Greece’s tallest residential building, it will stand 200 metres tall and have 50 floors, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the city of Athens. World Construction Network
- Metropolitan park: With an area of 2 million square meters, this will be the largest coastal park in Europe, providing green spaces and recreation areas for residents and visitors. Greek City Times
- Transport Infrastructure: Includes the construction of a 1,3 km tunnel on Poseidonos Avenue, scheduled for completion in 2025, aiming to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access to the seafront.
