Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport?

Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport? - Close-Up Photo of Rusty Budweiser Can

I've heard there is an abandoned airport within the Cyprus buffer zone (maps link). There are plenty of pictures online of the abandoned site. How can I visit this airport? Is it safe to do so?






Pictures about "Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport?"

Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport? - Shabby district of town with brick buildings with graffiti
Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport? - From below full body of male and female standing together near remains of ancient building and holding hands while looking away in sunny day
Can you visit the abandoned Nicosia Airport? - Empty street with trash on ground



Can you visit the old Nicosia airport?

In September 2018, I was asked to travel to Cyprus and photograph the Buffer Zone in Nicosia. An exclusive opportunity, since this area is not accessible for civilians. It is a demilitarised zone (DMZ), patrolled by the United Nations.

Why was Nicosia International Airport abandoned?

But this was never to happen: on 15 July 1974 right wing Greek nationalists overthrew the democratically elected president of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios. Nicosia Airport was briefly closed by the coupists, then used on 17 July 1974 to ferry troops from Greece to Cyprus to support the coup against Makarios.

When did Nicosia airport open?

After decades of being used mostly for military purposes, Nicosia International Airport was officially inaugurated in 1968, with the addition of a modern terminal building boasting high-tech facilities and a multitude of restaurants and shops.

Which airport is near to Nicosia?

Travellers to the Republic of Cyprus may enter only through the legal points of entry: Larnaca and Paphos International Airports, or the Larnaca and Limassol ports. The closest airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport (49 km).



Urbex | The abandoned Nicosia Airport, frozen in time since 1974




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Kelly L, Brett Sayles, Jonathan Borba, Erik Mclean