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Living at an airport may seem like an unusual idea, but it is not unheard of. While airports are designed for short-term stays and transportation rather than long-term residence, some people have managed to live in airports for extended periods. The most notable example is Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge at Terminal One of Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years, from 1988 to 2006. Nasseri's story, while unique, gained international attention and inspired the 2004 film The Terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of living at the airport | Yes, but rare and usually in extreme circumstances. |
| Examples | Mehran Karimi Nasseri lived at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for 18 years. |
| A person lived at Bangkok International Airport for four days. | |
| Factors enabling living at the airport | 24-hour airport, ticket to get past security, no reason for authorities to look for you, constantly moving around the airport |
| Downsides | Expensive, lack of privacy, security checks, noise, pollution, health risks, limited access to resources (e.g., laundry, food) |
| Alternatives | Hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, temporary housing solutions offered by local or government agencies |
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What You'll Learn
People who voluntarily live in airports
While it is not typical to reside within an airport, there have been instances of individuals voluntarily living in airports for extended periods. Airports are designed for short-term stays and as transportation hubs, but some people have turned them into their long-term homes. This phenomenon is more common among the homeless, and major airports in the United States and Europe have served as informal shelters. The high cost of airport food makes it impractical for most unhoused people, but some airports have rules against overcharging, such as SEATAC.
One notable example is Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge of Terminal One at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, from 1988 to 2006—a total of 18 years. Nasseri's story gained international attention and inspired the 2004 film "The Terminal." He ended up in this situation after losing his refugee documents, resulting in an administrative limbo that confined him to the airport.
Another example is Fred Dilsner, a former accountant who lived at O'Hare Airport in Chicago for a year in the 1980s. Edward Snowden, the NSA leaker, also spent over a month in a Russian airport in 2013 before receiving asylum.
Living in an airport can offer certain advantages, such as convenient air travel and access to basic amenities like food, water, bathrooms, and shelter. However, there are also significant downsides, including noise, pollution, and potential health risks depending on the airport's proximity and flight paths. Additionally, airport security and officials may change rules or ask individuals to leave at any time.
Some people choose to live in RV trailers in airport parking lots or nearby areas, which can be a more feasible option for long-term stays.
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Involuntary airport residents
One notable example of an involuntary airport resident is Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge of Terminal One at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, for 18 years, from 1988 to 2006. Nasseri had fled Iran due to political turmoil and was en route to England via Belgium and France when he lost the papers verifying his refugee status. Without these documents, he was unable to board his plane to England and was not permitted to enter France, resulting in his lengthy stay at the airport. His story gained international attention and inspired the 2004 film "The Terminal".
Another example is Roman Trofimov, an Estonian who arrived at Manila International Airport in March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine authorities, he was unable to enter the country and spent over 100 days in the airport until he could secure a seat on a repatriation flight.
While it is possible to survive in an airport due to the availability of basic amenities like food, water, bathrooms, and shelter, involuntary airport residents often face various challenges. These include the high cost of airport food, security checks and the constant need to blend in with crowds to avoid detection, and potential safety concerns regarding personal belongings. Additionally, airports are not designed for long-term habitation, and residents may be asked to leave if the terminal shuts down for the night.
In summary, while it is possible for individuals to end up as involuntary long-term residents in airports due to unforeseen circumstances, it is not an ideal living situation. Most involuntary residents aim to leave their temporary airport homes as soon as possible, seeking alternative lodging options or assistance from authorities or organizations that help travellers in need.
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How to avoid detection
While it is not typical to reside within an airport, there are ways to avoid detection if you plan to do so. Here are some tips to avoid being detected:
- It is important to blend in with other travellers and not attract attention to yourself. Avoid causing any problems or giving people a reason to look for you.
- Move around constantly, especially during nights when there is less traffic. Find the gates with late flights and stay there during boarding, then leave before you are the last one at the gate.
- If possible, live in an RV trailer in the employee parking lot or a parking area very near the airport. This is a more discreet way to stay close to the airport without raising suspicion.
- Be mindful of stringent checks that may occur at night in some airports due to homeless people sleeping in the vestibule area before security. Avoid this area if possible.
- Keep yourself clean and well-groomed. Larger airports often have showers you can pay to use, and you can wash your clothes there as well. Duty-free shops sell shower products and even clothes if needed.
- Be prepared for the high cost of living at the airport. Airport food and amenities can be expensive, so consider your budget and plan accordingly.
- If you are facing financial difficulties, consider contacting local social or government-run agencies for temporary housing solutions or assistance.
Remember that living at an airport is not a long-term solution, and you may eventually need to explore other housing options or seek help from the appropriate authorities.
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Airports as homeless shelters
Homelessness is a pressing issue in many cities, and some homeless people have resorted to staying in airports. While this is not a new phenomenon, the number of people doing so has been increasing. Some airports have become 'de facto shelters' for the homeless, like Boston's Logan Airport. However, this has raised concerns about public health and security.
Airports have certain advantages for the homeless. They are open 24 hours, accessible by public transport, and usually have facilities like running water, food, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and blankets. They are also generally considered safer than shelters, which may have issues with violence, theft, and bed bugs. One homeless person described their experience at an airport as "peaceful, quiet and heartwarming".
However, staying at an airport has its challenges. It can be noisy, with constant announcements and a lack of privacy. The high cost of airport food can also be a problem. Airports are not designed for sleeping, and many have implemented rules to prevent the homeless from staying overnight. For example, LaGuardia Airport in New York and Reagan National Airport in Washington DC have restricted access during late-night hours to only ticketed passengers.
Some individuals have managed to live in airports for extended periods. One notable case is that of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge at Terminal One of Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years. His story inspired the film 'The Terminal'. However, such cases are rare, and most people who stay in airports do so for shorter periods or while transitioning to other accommodations.
While airports may provide temporary refuge for the homeless, they are not a long-term solution. The better approach is to address the root causes of homelessness and improve access to safe and adequate housing and shelter options. This includes increasing support for families experiencing homelessness and advocating for policies that prioritize their wellbeing.
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Reasons for living in airports
While it is not typical to reside within an airport, there have been instances of people living in airports for extended periods. Here are some reasons why someone might end up living in an airport:
Circumstantial Necessity
In some rare cases, individuals facing extreme circumstances have been forced to take up residence in airport terminals for weeks, months, or even years. One notable example is Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years due to losing his refugee documents.
Proximity to Travel
Airports are transportation hubs that offer rapid access to national and international travel. Living in or very near an airport provides the convenience of quickly reaching your desired destination, saving time and reducing travel-associated stress. This ease of access is a significant advantage for globetrotters and business professionals alike.
Amenities and Infrastructure
Airports and their surrounding areas often provide essential amenities such as food, water, bathrooms, and shelter. Additionally, the regions surrounding airports frequently benefit from enhanced infrastructure and public transportation designed to accommodate travellers. This includes improved roads, public transit options, and access to amenities, making daily commutes and city centre access more convenient for residents.
Economic Opportunities
Airports are economic powerhouses, generating numerous jobs and boosting local economies. Living near an airport may provide improved access to employment opportunities, especially within the aviation industry or travel-related businesses.
Temporary Refuge
In some cases, individuals may choose to stay at an airport temporarily due to unforeseen circumstances. This could include missed connections, cancelled flights, or bad weather conditions that result in an involuntary short-term residency. While this usually lasts only a day or two, it can extend to longer periods in unique situations.
It is important to note that while airports can provide basic amenities and convenience for travellers, they are not designed for long-term residence, and individuals may face removal if they attempt to live there indefinitely.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to live in an airport, as they offer many of the basic amenities needed for survival: food, water, bathrooms, and shelter. However, it is not legal, and you may be asked to leave if discovered.
To avoid detection, you can blend in with the crowds and move around and change clothes often. Staying in a busy airport may also help you go unnoticed.
Yes, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years and inspired the movie "The Terminal", is one of the most famous examples. Another example is Fred Dilsner, who lived at O'Hare Airport in Chicago for a year in the 1980s.
