Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
0 comments 
From Military Base to Civil Airport and Finally an Abandoned Place, Ellinikon Holds Traces of Its History and Decommissioned Airplanes, Including the Iconic Boeing 747 from Olympic Airways
Greece is a country full of mysteries and historical places, but few imagine that among these treasures lies 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” — carries decades of history. It was the first international airport of the capital and one of the main entry points for millions of tourists seeking to explore the sun, the sea, and the ancient ruins of Greece.
Today, the history of Hellenikon echoes in the abandoned walls and parked airplanes, telling a rich yet melancholic narrative of a bygone era. Let’s explore this journey, from its peak use to its current state and the plans for a rebirth that may finally breathe new life into this forgotten landmark.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
A Golden Era for Greek Aviation
Hellenikon was inaugurated in the late 1930s when aviation in Greece was still taking its first steps. During World War II, the site was occupied by Axis forces and became a strategic airbase for the Luftwaffe, suffering allied air attacks.
-
Church from 1888 becomes a mansion of over 330 m² in Canada after a renovation of R$ 3.4 million and is eventually sold for nearly R$ 4.3 million.
-
How an innovative city combines high technology, well-being, and sustainability to become the largest reference in clean energy on the planet.
-
Couple buys 1846 church in ruins for R$ 660,000, invests R$ 3.2 million in renovations, transforms it into a millionaire mansion, and even preserved a historic cemetery with over 300 graves.
-
He started running at 66 years old, broke records at 82, and is now a subject of study for having a metabolic age comparable to that of a 20-year-old, in a case that is intriguing scientists and inspiring the world.
After the conflict, the airport underwent a series of renovations and, in 1950, established itself as the main airport in Greece.
In the 1960s, with tourism rapidly growing, Greece saw in Hellenikon an opportunity to expand its global reach. Architect Eero Saarinen, known for his futuristic vision, designed the East Terminal of the airport, an icon of modern architecture.
At the West Terminal, Olympic Airways (OA), founded by magnate Aristotle Onassis, operated its exclusive routes, elevating the level of luxury in air travel with its flight attendants dressed in uniforms from famous designers like Coco Chanel and Pierre Cardin.
Hellenikon was the entry point 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 that included meals served on porcelain and golden cutlery, delighting all its passengers.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
The Decline of Hellenikon
In the 1990s, Hellenikon could no longer handle the increasing demand from tourism. With over 10 million passengers annually, the airport faced infrastructure issues and frequent delays. In 2001, Hellenikon was replaced by Athens International Airport, a more modern center capable of accommodating the growing number of travelers. After years of debates, Hellenikon ceased operations, falling into a state of abandonment and ruins.
In 2004, during the Athens Olympic Games, some parts of the complex were revitalized and transformed to host sporting events such as baseball and fencing. However, the temporary use and lack of maintenance soon led to abandonment again, and the site began to deteriorate.
The financial crisis of 2008 and bureaucratic disputes over the future use of the land caused reconstruction to stall, and Hellenikon became forgotten.
Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
An Ambitious Reconstruction Project
After a decade of negotiations, in 2014, a consortium of investors signed an agreement worth € 915 million with the Greek government to transform the Hellenikon site into one of the largest entertainment complexes in Europe.
The project includes luxury hotels and apartments, shopping centers, a park, and even a casino. Despite promises of revitalization, political opposition and bureaucratic issues delayed the start of the works.
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 East Terminal designed by Saarinen.
This dilapidated terminal, covered in debris and hanging wires, contrasts with the grandeur of the plans for the future, but carries within it the memory of a time when the airport was alive.
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 map. The airline connected Athens to various international destinations, standing out for its luxury service and its contribution to Greece’s image as a prestigious tourist destination.
After the tragic death of Alexander, Onassis’s son, in an accident in 1973, OA went through a period of decline. In 1975, Onassis sold the company to the Greek state, which managed the airline 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 journey of OA, as well as seven aircraft, including the famous Boeing 747-200B Jumbo that operated the Athens-New York route.
Update on the Airport
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 Ellinikon, an ambitious urban development project aimed at revitalizing the area and boosting 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 a vast metropolitan park. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
- Riviera Tower: Expected to be the tallest residential building in Greece, standing at 200 meters high with 50 floors, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the city of Athens. World Construction Network
- Metropolitan Park: Covering 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
- Transportation Infrastructure: Includes the construction of a 1.3 km tunnel on Poseidonos Avenue, expected to be completed by 2025, aiming to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access to the waterfront.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!