Living In An Airport: A Unique Home For Some

Believe it or not, several people have lived in airports for extended periods, ranging from a few months to several years. The reasons for this vary, but often include protesting, asylum seeking, or issues with visas and passports. One of the most famous examples is Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in the departure lounge of Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, for almost 18 years. His story inspired the 2004 film The Terminal starring Tom Hanks. Nasseri's unique situation and lengthy stay at the airport captured the world's attention, and he even received money from a production company for the rights to his story.

People who have lived in airports

Living in an airport may seem like a fantasy, perhaps inspired by the 2004 film 'The Terminal', but for some, it has been a reality. Here are some of the people who have lived in airports for extended periods, often due to bureaucratic issues, visa problems, or personal reasons.

Mehran Karimi Nasseri

The most famous case is that of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in Terminal 1 of Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, from 1988 until 2006, and again briefly in 2022 until his death. Nasseri's story inspired the films 'Lost in Transit' (1993) and 'The Terminal'. He claimed to have been expelled from Iran due to his political activities and sought refuge in Europe. However, he lost his documents and was unable to prove his identity or refugee status, resulting in his detention in the airport's transit zone. During his time at the airport, he slept on a red plastic bed in the departure lounge, washed in public toilets, and earned money by cleaning and delivering trolleys. He became something of a minor celebrity, receiving donations and assistance from passengers and airport staff. Despite several attempts to resolve his legal situation, he refused to cooperate, and his prolonged stay took a toll on his mental and physical health.

Denis Luiz de Souza

Denis Luiz de Souza has lived in Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, for over 17 years. De Souza has a developmental or mental disability, and he moved into the airport to escape personal problems at home. He has befriended airport workers who provide him with food, clothes, and other necessities. As Guarulhos is a public facility, de Souza is under no legal obligation to leave as long as he follows the airport rules. However, his mental health and ability to live independently outside the airport are concerns for those who know him.

Hiroshi Nohara

Hiroshi Nohara, a Japanese national, lived in Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport for almost four months. Nohara refused to disclose the reasons for his stay, cultivating an air of mystery around his situation. He was free to roam the airport and interact with workers and tourists. Eventually, he left the airport without explanation, and his whereabouts after his departure are unknown.

The Shah Case

In 2005, a man named only as Shah spent 13 months living in Heathrow Airport, London, due to a complex citizenship issue. Shah was born in Kenya when it was a British colony and considered himself a UK citizen. However, he had not completed the necessary paperwork to receive full citizenship. When he attempted to enter the UK, he was denied entry, and Kenyan authorities also refused to allow him back into the country. Airport employees provided him with food and clothing during his stay. After months of waiting, he finally received a full British passport and was able to return to the UK.

These cases highlight the unique challenges and circumstances that can lead individuals to reside in airports for extended periods, often enduring physical and mental health struggles as a result.

Reasons for living in an airport

There have been several instances of people living in airports for extended periods. Here are some reasons why someone might find themselves in this situation:

Protesting

Some people have lived in airports as a form of protest. For example, a man at the Narita International Airport in Japan was refused re-entry into China and began protesting at the airport.

Asylum Seeking

Many people have sought asylum in airports, often due to persecution or danger in their home countries. For instance, a family of Kurdish refugees fleeing the Iraqi Civil War sought asylum in Russia at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.

Visa and Passport Issues

Visa and passport issues are common reasons for people getting stuck in airports. Sometimes, their documents are confiscated or stolen, while in other cases, their visas may expire during their stay. For example, a man at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia was unable to return to his home country after his passport was confiscated in Turkey.

Psychological Problems

In some cases, individuals with psychological problems have taken refuge in airports. For instance, Denis Luiz de Souza, who has lived in the São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil for about 25 years, is believed to have a developmental or mental disability and may have moved to the airport to escape reality.

Convenience

While not a common reason for long-term stays, some people might choose to live in an airport for a short period due to its convenience. For example, frequent travellers might opt for an airport hotel to avoid the hassle of pre-travel preparations and last-minute packing.

Living conditions in an airport

Living in an airport may seem like a fun adventure, but the reality is far from it. The reasons people end up living in airports are often related to protesting, asylum seeking, or issues with visas and passports. While some people have spent a few months living in airports, others have stayed for years, and the conditions are far from ideal.

Take the case of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge of Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France from 1988 until 2006. Nasseri's story inspired the film 'The Terminal'. During his time at the airport, Nasseri spent his days around the Paris Bye Bye bar, writing in his journal, listening to the radio, and smoking his pipe. He ate meals at McDonald's, bought for him by strangers, and sometimes sat on a red bench in the terminal's first level, lost in thought. His luggage was always by his side.

Another example is Denis Luiz de Souza, who has lived in Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, for over 17 years. De Souza has a developmental or mental disability, and he moved into the airport to escape his problems at home. He has befriended airport workers, who provide him with food, clothes, and other necessities. As a public facility, the airport cannot legally force de Souza to leave, as long as he follows the rules.

Living in an airport means sleeping on uncomfortable benches, with constant noise from announcements, travellers, and aircraft. It means limited access to bathing and washing facilities, and a lack of privacy. The physical and mental health impacts of living in an airport can be significant, with poor air quality and constant noise leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and mental health problems.

While some people have found community and support from airport staff, living in an airport is far from glamorous, and the conditions can be challenging and detrimental to a person's health and well-being.

The Terminal film inspiration

The 2004 film The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks, is loosely based on the life of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who lived in the departure lounge of Terminal 1 in Charles de Gaulle Airport from 26 August 1988 until July 2006. Nasseri was born in Iran and claimed that he was expelled from the country in 1977 for protesting against the Shah. After a long battle, involving applications in several countries, he was awarded refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Belgium.

In 1988, Nasseri's papers were lost when his briefcase was allegedly stolen. Arriving in London without a passport, he was returned to France. At the French airport, he was unable to prove his identity or refugee status and was detained in the waiting area for travellers without papers.

Nasseri's story differs from the film in several ways. Firstly, he never attempted to travel to the United States. Secondly, he became something of a minor celebrity during his stay, whereas in the film, Viktor Navorski (played by Hanks) is a man without a country. In the film, Navorski disguises himself as a frequent traveller, learns English, and befriends airport workers. In reality, Nasseri spent his time writing in his journal, listening to the radio, and smoking his pipe. He also became something of a celebrity, with strangers buying him meals.

Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks production company paid $250,000 to $275,000 for the rights to Nasseri's story. However, the film's publicity materials do not mention Nasseri's story as its inspiration, and the storyline bears little resemblance to his experiences.

Leaving the airport

The decision to leave an airport after an extended stay can be complex and influenced by various factors, including legal status, health, and personal choices. Here are some considerations for individuals in such situations:

Legal Status:

• Documentation: The primary challenge for individuals living in airports is often related to their legal status and travel documents. Obtaining or replacing missing or stolen documents can be a lengthy process, involving various government agencies and international coordination. In some cases, individuals may need to present themselves in person to receive new documents, which can be difficult if they are confined to an airport.
• Asylum and Refugee Status: Many people living in airports are asylum seekers or refugees fleeing persecution or adverse situations in their home countries. They may be awaiting the outcome of their asylum applications or facing challenges in obtaining the necessary documentation to enter their desired country.

Health:

• Mental Health: Extended stays in airports can take a toll on mental health. Individuals may experience isolation, depression, or other psychological issues. In some cases, they may develop a sense of institutionalization, feeling uncomfortable or unwilling to leave the airport environment despite having the opportunity to do so.
• Physical Health: Living in an airport can also impact physical health. Individuals may have limited access to proper nutrition, hygiene facilities, and medical care, leading to health issues that may eventually require hospitalization.

Personal Choices:

• Comfort and Familiarity: Some individuals who have lived in airports for extended periods develop a sense of comfort and familiarity with their surroundings. They may have established routines, befriended airport staff, and received support from sympathetic passengers. This sense of community can make it challenging to leave.
• Fear of the Outside World: In some cases, individuals may have an aversion to leaving the airport due to fear or uncertainty about the outside world. They may feel safer or more anonymous within the confines of the airport environment.

External Factors:

• Assistance from Authorities: In certain instances, individuals may receive assistance from airport authorities, immigration officials, or human rights organizations. These entities may provide legal support, temporary accommodation, or facilitate the issuance of necessary travel documents, enabling individuals to leave the airport.
• Public Perception and Media Attention: Public awareness and media coverage of an individual's situation can sometimes prompt authorities to take action or offer assistance. This external pressure can help resolve legal or logistical issues, facilitating the individual's departure from the airport.

The decision to leave an airport after a long-term stay is a significant turning point. It can involve overcoming legal, health, and psychological challenges. Each individual's experience is unique, and the factors influencing their departure vary based on their personal circumstances, the support they receive, and the resolution of their legal status.

Frequently asked questions